Program Goals & Student Life

Program Learning Goals:

The goals of the graduate program in Ecology and Evolution are to equip future scientists, educators, and leaders with the capacity to:

• Use ecological and evolutionary knowledge to advance empirical and theoretical understanding of the natural world.
• Identify and address societally-relevant problems in fundamental and applied ecology and evolution.
• Employ appropriate quantitative methods and approaches to develop and test hypotheses, predictions, and models.
• Effectively communicate research findings by using written and oral disciplinary discourse practices and norms.
• Use evidence-based practices to teach and inspire the next generation of scientists, environmental stewards, and citizens.

Graduate Student Culture & Community

In our program, M.A. students interact closely with faculty mentors and lab groups in a rich, scholarly environment focused on quantitative and computational analysis. M.A. students share dedicated office space and participate fully in the life of the department. Highlights include weekly colloquia, informal graduate student seminars, weekly departmental soup lunches, and an annual departmental retreat and picnic.

Departmental Colloquium

All members of the Department of Ecology and Evolution attend the department's weekly colloquium on Wednesday afternoons. Attendance is required for all graduate students. The colloquium features guest speakers from outside the University who present the results of their research. Receptions follow most colloquium presentations, providing an opportunity for students to meet informally with visiting scientists. Graduate students play an active role in suggesting and hosting speakers.

Informal Student Seminar

Graduate students run an informal seminar series on Tuesdays at noon to present research results or discuss new ideas. This provides an excellent way for new students to get feedback on their work and connect with colleagues. Most students give at least one presentation during their tenure in the program.

Academic Policies

• Grade Point Average: Graduate students must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average. Grades of I, NR, P, S, U, and R are excluded from this computation, but a grade of "I" is treated as an "F" when determining probation status. Courses may be repeated, but credits count only once toward the degree.

• Leave of Absence: Students needing a leave of absence for one or more semesters must submit an application to the Graduate School prior to leaving. Initial leaves may be granted for up to one year and renewed for a second year.

• Note: Follow this link to the official Stony Brook Graduate Catalogue. It is the final authority on degree requirements and academic policies.