PhD Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Columbia University

Programme overview

The Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology (founded 2001) trains scientists in the theory and methods of ecology, evolution and environmental biology, with ties to over 40 faculty beyond its core and to partners including the American Museum of Natural History, New York Botanical Garden and Wildlife Conservation Society.

Faculty: Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology | Intake: Fall | Study mode: full-time | Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

The programme offers a PhD specialization in Evolutionary Primatology through the New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology. Students earn the MA and MPhil along the way.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An undergraduate major in a natural science is required; coursework in calculus, physics, chemistry, statistics, genetics, ecology, evolution and organismal biology is desirable and prior research experience is strongly recommended. Applicants must contact a faculty member who may act as dissertation sponsor. Admission is for fall only. Applicants submit one transcript per school attended, a statement of academic purpose, a personal statement and a resume. Three letters of evaluation (at least two from academic recommenders). Writing sample: not required. GRE General is not required. International applicants whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official language is not English submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test scores. Fall 2027 entry application deadline: December 3, 2026.

Intake: Fall

Apply through the official page: https://www.gsas.columbia.edu/content/prospective-students

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