University of Kansas

What you'll study

This PhD is driven by individual dissertation research within broad themes of evolutionary biology, systematics, population biology and ecology. Students normally combine advanced coursework with extensive laboratory and field work, developing skills in experimental design, quantitative analysis, comparative methods and phylogenetics.

Typical subject areas and modules include:

• Evolutionary theory and comparative methods — population genetics, molecular evolution, phylogenetic inference and macroevolutionary analyses.
• Systematics and taxonomy — specimen-based systematics, morphological and molecular approaches to species delimitation, curatorial methods using collections.
• Population and community ecology — demography, life-history evolution, community assembly, interspecific interactions and ecosystem-level processes.
• Quantitative and statistical methods — experimental design, statistical modelling, Bayesian methods, R programming and bioinformatics pipelines for genomic data.
• Conservation and applied evolution — conservation genetics, landscape genetics, invasion biology and evolutionary responses to environmental change.

Programme structure generally begins with core coursework and seminars, followed by qualifying examinations and the development of a dissertation proposal. The majority of later years focus on independent research, culminating in peer-reviewed publications and a defended doctoral dissertation. Students have access to the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute collections, molecular and imaging facilities, and regional field sites to support empirical work.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants typically hold a bachelor’s degree with substantial preparation in biological sciences; applicants with a relevant master’s degree are also admitted. Typical expectations include strong undergraduate performance in courses such as evolution, ecology, genetics and statistics, and demonstrable research experience (for example, honours projects, published work, or research assistantships).

Application materials should include an academic CV, personal statement outlining research interests and potential faculty mentors, official transcripts, and at least three academic references. Some applicants will be invited for interviews with prospective advisers or the graduate admissions committee. Applicants are advised to contact potential supervisors in advance to discuss mutual fit and research opportunities.

The programme provides funded graduate assistantships and fellowships in many cases; funding offers, requirements for teaching or research duties, and visa documentation (for international students) are handled through the graduate school and departmental offices.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of careers that draw on rigorous research and quantitative training. Common destinations include:

• Academic positions (postdoctoral research and tenure-track faculty) focusing on evolutionary biology, ecology or systematics.
• Research roles in government agencies and museums, including biodiversity monitoring, conservation planning and environmental assessment.
• Applied science roles in conservation NGOs, consulting firms and natural resource management organisations.
• Data science and bioinformatics positions in industry or research institutes that leverage skills in statistical modelling and genomic analyses.

The programme’s emphasis on publishing, grant-writing and teaching experience prepares graduates for leadership roles in research, conservation policy and education.

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas combines strong, diverse faculty expertise in evolution and ecology with institutional resources that support organismal and genomic research. The Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum provide curated specimen collections and taxonomic expertise useful for systematics projects, while departmental molecular and imaging facilities support genomic and morphological work.

KU’s geographical setting in the central United States offers accessible field sites representing tallgrass prairie, freshwater systems and midwestern landscapes, facilitating field-based and integrative research. The department fosters interdisciplinary collaborations spanning genomics, statistics, conservation and museum science, and provides a supportive graduate community with mentoring, professional-development workshops and opportunities for teaching experience.