Ag Hall

    Welcome to the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program!

    Ecology is the study of how biodiversity is shaped by interacting species and their environment, and evolutionary biology is the study of how biodiversity is generated over time. Together, ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB) are an interdisciplinary field of study seeking to understand how the diversity of life, at multiple biological levels of organization, is shaped by processes that act over spatial and temporal scales. For decades, UW-Madison has been a national leader in EEB research, ranking in the top 10 for number of articles, number of citations, and grant dollars for both disciplines (Academic Analytics 2015).

    The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology graduate program at UW-Madison prepares the next generation of scientists to address critical questions about biodiversity, adaptation, and ecosystem dynamics. Our interdisciplinary community combines rigorous training with hands-on research opportunities across diverse ecosystems. We hope to provide an enriching and welcoming environment to pursue graduate research. For prospective students, this site provides information about the application process, the Ph.D. curriculum, and research being conducted by EEB faculty.

    About the Program

    Our PhD program offers students the opportunity to work on topics spanning molecular evolution to ecosystem science. Students benefit from access to exceptional field sites, state-of-the-art laboratories, and collaborative partnerships across campus. The program emphasizes both independent research and professional development, preparing graduates for careers in academia, government, conservation, and industry.

    Research Areas

    Faculty and students in our program investigate a broad range of topics including:

    • Population and community ecology
    • Evolutionary genetics and genomics
    • Behavioral ecology and animal communication
    • Conservation biology and restoration ecology
    • Plant-animal interactions and coevolution
    • Climate change impacts on biodiversity

    News

    • Application for EEB graduate study in Fall 2026

      Application for EEB graduate study in Fall 2026

      Applications for graduate study in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology PhD are due December 1st, 2025.

    • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology PhD launched

      Ecology and Evolutionary Biology PhD launched

      A cross-college working group organized by Wisconsin Evolution and the Center for Ecology and the Environment developed a new graduate program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) for the UW Madison campus. The UW Board of Regents approved the new program in late Spring 2025. Read more about the launch of the program in the […]

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