Emory University

What you'll study

The curriculum balances core coursework, elective modules and a substantial research component. Typical areas of study include:

• Ecological theory — community and ecosystem ecology, species interactions, trophic dynamics and ecosystem functioning.
• Evolutionary biology — microevolutionary processes, speciation, life-history evolution and phylogenetic comparative methods.
• Systematics and taxonomy — principles of classification, phylogenetic reconstruction and integrative approaches to delimiting species.
• Population biology and conservation — population dynamics, demographic modelling, metapopulation theory and applied conservation strategies.
• Field and laboratory methods — experimental design, ecological survey techniques, remote sensing basics, molecular methods (e.g. DNA barcoding, population genetics) and statistical analysis.
• Quantitative and computational skills — statistics for ecology and evolution, R programming, modelling of ecological and evolutionary processes.

The programme normally culminates in an independent research project or thesis, where students formulate hypotheses, collect and analyse data, and present results in written and oral form. Students may also participate in collaborative lab projects and multi-disciplinary studies across campus and partner institutions.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, evolutionary biology or a closely related discipline with substantial coursework in organismal biology, genetics, ecology and statistics. Successful candidates typically demonstrate research experience—such as an undergraduate thesis, laboratory or field internships—and a clear statement of research interests that matches faculty expertise.

Application materials commonly requested are academic transcripts, at least two letters of recommendation (preferably from academic supervisors), a personal statement describing research goals, and a curriculum vitae. International applicants may need to provide proof of English language proficiency according to university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a range of careers in academia, research institutions and applied sectors. Common paths include doctoral programmes in ecology or evolutionary biology, postdoctoral research, university-level teaching, and roles in conservation NGOs, environmental consulting, government natural-resource agencies and biodiversity monitoring. Training in quantitative methods and molecular techniques also opens opportunities in biotechnology, ecological data science and science communication.

Why study at Emory University

Emory offers a research-intensive environment with access to experienced faculty across organismal biology, ecology and evolution. The university's location in the Atlanta region provides proximity to diverse field sites and strong collaborative links with nearby research organisations and public-health institutions. Students benefit from modern laboratory facilities, natural-history collections and opportunities for interdisciplinary work across departments, enabling a hands-on, mentored approach to developing as an independent researcher.