Overview
Pennsylvania State University's Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology trains scientists to explore the natural world and the multitudes of interactions within it.
Specifically, we teach students to observe, experiment with, and analyze patterns in the natural world with a goal of pursuing solutions to some of the most pressing problems of our time—such as those related to biodiversity, climate change, invasive species, food security, and infectious disease.
Students in Penn State's Intercollege Graduate Degree Program in Ecology:
- Gain a thorough understanding of ecological theory and hypothesis testing
- Conduct research that tests basic ecological theories or applies ecological principles to meet critical societal needs
- Engage with faculty members from across Penn State in their coursework and research
- Develop their communication and leadership skills
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Human Ecology
- Population Genetics
- Principles and Applications in Landscape Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Microbial Physiology and Structure
- Microbial Biotechnology
- Environmental Soil Microbiology
- Ecological and Environmental Problem Solving
- Population Estimation and Modeling
- Physiological Ecology
- Plant Ecology
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: 3
English requirements
TOEFL iBT: 80
Other requirements
General requirements
- Applicants should have a strong science background, including chemistry through organic chemistry, mathematics through calculus, physics, and biology.
- Students with a background in another discipline that has potential value to original ecological work will be seriously considered. A junior/senior grade-point average of 3.00 or better (on a 4.00 scale) is required.
- Students are strongly urged to choose their research interests and initiate communication with the relevant faculty member(s) before applying for admission.
The following are required:
- three or more letters of recommendation regarding the student's academic and professional promise;
- a concise statement describing the student's goals both within the program and in professional life;
- a curriculum vitae.
Fees and Funding
Living costs
University Park, United States
1,404-2,106 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.