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Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology
Our Ph.D. degree places a powerful emphasis on original research that leads to a dissertation. That’s why we keep coursework requirements to a minimum, allowing you to work with a faculty mentor to develop high-level expertise in ecology, evolutionary biology, fisheries, genetics, physiology or wildlife biology. SIU’s location, just a few miles from the Shawnee National Forest and near the junction of two of North America’s largest rivers, provides ample field research opportunities for Zoology Ph.D. students.
Graduates from the Zoology doctoral program have found success across a broad range of careers with a research emphasis, including in academia, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry and consulting. Please contact us to learn more about how our faculty and research facilities can help you reach your professional goals.
Degree Requirements
Our program is designed for students aiming to excel in biological sciences, particularly in areas like ecology, evolution, genetics, and physiology. This research-intensive program requires at least 24 credit hours beyond a master's degree, emphasizing original research leading to a dissertation. Applicants should have a strong background in biology, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a clear statement of purpose. View research emphasis.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology can be earned by fulfilling the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree.
Concentration
Our Ecology concentration is essentially the same curriculum as the standard Zoology Ph.D., but with a few key distinctions: each year, until you achieve candidacy, you're required to participate in the 'Seminar in Ecology (PLB 589A)' or its approved equivalent. This ensures you're consistently engaged with the latest in ecological research. Your primary research tool will be statistics, a critical skill for ecological data analysis. Additionally, your advisory committee will include at least two members from outside the Zoology program, providing you with a broader range of academic perspectives and expertise. This approach is designed to enrich your educational experience, offering a comprehensive and diverse perspective in your ecological studies.
Admissions Requirements
All doctoral applicants should possess a strong background in the biological sciences, a master’s degree, and a minimum GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale). Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered based on individual merit. Exceptional candidates with only a bachelor’s degree may be considered for direct entry, and accelerated entry for master’s students into the Ph.D. program is possible for highly promising students.
Applicants must pay the nonrefundable application fee when applying electronically to the Graduate School. For university fellowship consideration, a complete application must be submitted by December 1. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies in Zoology for program inquiries.
Assistantships & Awards
We guarantee a minimum of four years of financial support for all Zoology Ph.D. students, from teaching assistantships, research assistantships and/or university fellowships. A number of short-term scholarships and awards are also available for Zoology Ph.D. students who exhibit outstanding teaching, research or professional development:
- Florence and Charles Foote Outstanding Teaching Assistant in Zoology
- Richard E. Blackwelder Award in Zoology
- Carter-Kenney Endowed Scholarship
- Richard R. Kudo Memorial Award in Zoology
- Hilda Stein Scholarship
- Jan Martan Non-Traditional Student Award in Zoology
- Zoology Summer Graduate Scholarship
For the shorter-term scholarships, you must submit a new application each year by February 1. After applying each year, you will be considered for all Zoology scholarships for which you meet donor criteria. For more information and application forms, visit the SIU Online Scholarship Opportunity Manager.
Graduate Student Association
At SIU, the Zoology Graduate Student Association (ZGSA) selects and hosts a series of visiting speakers, holds a weekly seminar series in which graduate students present their work to other students, elects student representatives to faculty committees, identifies opportunities for outreach to local schools, and organizes social events. ZGSA also provides a forum and mechanism for suggesting changes that would improve the graduate student experience. Beginning graduate students, in particular, can benefit from the experience and advice of more experienced students in navigating their new environment.
Centers For Research And Training
The Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory provides research opportunities for graduate students in the Zoology and Forestry Programs. Within those programs, faculty advisors guide students through their coursework and research to complete a Master of Science in wildlife ecology or management. The Center for Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences serves a similar role for Zoology graduate students. These centers often address applied problems in conjunction with state or federal management agencies.
Contact Information
Jason Brown
Director of Graduate Studies
254 Life Science II
618-453-4112
jason.brown@siu.edu
