Research Opportunities & Advanced Tools
You'll experience diverse research opportunities spanning the breadth of ecology, supported by advanced training and state-of-the-art analytical facilities.
Foundations of Ecological & Evolutionary thought
You'll understand the grounding in philosophical and historical underpinnings of ecology and evolutionary studies.
Collaborative Scientific Leadership Training
You'll gain leadership and communication skills for both scientific and public arenas, while building strong interdisciplinary connections through collaboration with students and faculty across departments and colleges.
The University of Wyoming's Program in Ecology and Evolution (PiEE) is an interdisciplinary doctoral program that requires applicants to secure admission to a home department aligned with their advisor's affiliation. Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and obtain sponsorship from a PiEE faculty member or co-sponsorship with a PiEE affiliate. Those without a master's degree should demonstrate exceptional promise through research experience or publications. Current UW doctoral students may apply to transfer into PiEE, subject to the same admission criteria and approval by the Graduate Affairs Committee.
The Program in Ecology and Evolution is supported by a wide-ranging group of faculty and affiliates from across campus, all united by a commitment to ecological and evolutionary research and graduate education. Students are mentored by PiEE faculty and benefit from a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment that spans multiple departments and areas of expertise. Check out the brilliant faculty members who make up our program!
PiEE emphasizes academic excellence, collaborative research and professional development for our students. If you're a current PiEE student, view our student expectations, available resources, travel funding, paperwork processes, teaching assistantships and campus facilities that support student success.
Students in the Program in Ecology and Evolution explore a wide range of ecological topics, spanning from molecular and microbial levels to plant and vertebrate systematics and up to landscape-scale ecology. Take a look at all the amazing students who make up our program!
Ph.D. students in PiEE must complete 72 credit hours, including at least 42 course credits. All students are required to take ECOL 5100: Ecology as a Research Discipline—a foundational seminar course offered each fall that explores the historical, philosophical and methodological foundations of ecology—during their first year. In addition, students must complete at least six credit hours focused on tool-skill development, typically in quantitative or analytical areas such as statistics, modeling or GIS, with coursework tailored in consultation with their Advisory Committee. Transfer credits from a master’s program and any exceptions to these requirements require approval from the appropriate committees.
The Program in Ecology and Evolution encourages students to enroll in courses across departments and colleges, depending on their area of specialization and advisory committee's recommendations.
The Program in Ecology and Evolution (PiEE) is a collaborative, doctoral-level program that offers advanced, interdisciplinary training in ecology and evolution. Governed democratically, the program’s faculty oversee key areas such as administration, curriculum and personnel, with any changes to its structure requiring a two-thirds faculty vote.