Faculty in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology comprise some of the top scholars in the world in the disciplines of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Our work can be categorized into Biodiversity and Macroevolution, Ecology and Global Change Biology, and Evolutionary Mechanisms, but collaborations across these disciplines are the norm in our department. Research opportunities are enhanced by joint appointments of many faculty with the Biodiversity Institute and Kansas Biological Survey.
Yes. Our department and faculty provide students with the resources, training, and mentoring that allow them to address cutting-edge scientific questions. The faculty places a high priority on preparing graduate students to become some of the world’s best scientists.
Students may obtain either a Ph.D. or M.A. in Botany, Entomology, or Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Application requirements and materials are listed on our website.
On average, obtaining a Ph.D. requires 5-6 years. Obtaining a M.A. takes an average of 2.5 years.
Yes. Graduate students may be co-advised by up to two faculty advisers.
Most coursework requirements are identified by a student’s advisory committee. This provides the flexibility to tailor graduate curricula to meet the unique needs of each student. Students are expected to take graduate-level courses in ecology, evolution, and systematics. Additional information can be found in the EEB Graduate Handbook.
Graduate students in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at KU receive a financial support package. Doctoral students receive a 10-semester support package, and master’s students receive a 4-semester support package. This package is typically comprised of graduate research assistantships (GRAs) obtained by the faculty mentor’s extramural funding, graduate teaching assistantships (GTAs), and/or fellowships or grants obtained by the student through competitive processes. Non-native English speakers must pass a language test before being granted a GTA.
Graduate students are typically funded during the summer months by GRA support from their faculty mentor, GTAs, or student fellowships or grants.
Salaries for graduate assistantships, including GTAs and GRAs, vary depending on the level of previous experience. Salaries for 9-month appointments during the academic year average $18,000. Summer assistantships are generally 8-week appointments that average a total salary of $4,000. Students funded by these assistantships typically qualify for complete tuition sponsorship and partial fee sponsorship.
Students receiving graduate assistantships are typically provided with full tuition sponsorship in addition to a salary. Students on fellowship can apply for tuition assistance through KU’s Center for Research.
The university offers a student health insurance plan underwritten by United Healthcare–Student Resources. Students with graduate assistantships (GTAs and GRAs) are eligible for a 75% university contribution toward premiums. Coverage for the 2009-10 academic year, including fall, spring, and summer terms, was $229 for graduate assistants. More information on this plan is available from KU’s Human Resource & Equal Opportunity office.
Lawrence is a medium-sized city filled with beautiful scenery, incredible art and entertainment venues, outstanding restaurants, and historical attractions. The tree-lined main street just a few blocks from campus offers an abundance of small specialty shops, many of which cater to the diverse needs of KU students, faculty, and staff. Visit Lawrence online at www.lawrence.com. For more information on things to do and see in Lawrence, visit http://www.lawrencechamber.com/cwt/external/wcpages/visitors/things.aspx.
Air service to and from Lawrence is best provided by the Kansas City International Airport, a 50 minute drive from Lawrence.
Compared to other communities, the cost of living in Lawrence is quite low.
Below are typical renting rates:
1 bedroom apartment – $585/month
2 bedroom apartment – $685/month
House (3-4 bedrooms) – $1200/month
Dorm room (on campus) – $3500/year
These sites have listings for apartments currently available:
http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Kansas/Lawrence/
http://www2.ljworld.com/rentals/
Below are typical utility rates:
Water – $40/month
Gas (Black Hills Energy) – $50/month
Electric (Westar Energy) – $40-100/month (depending on the season)
Cable (Sunflower Broadband) – $60-120/month
Internet (Sunflower Broadband) – $20-50/month
For more information on utilities, visit http://www.lawrenceks.org/utilities/home
The KU-EEB student body is comprised of approximately 70 students and represents a diverse set of backgrounds. About a quarter of the KU-EEB student population are international students representing countries from Europe, Asia, and Latin America, as well as Australia. Domestic students attend from all over the U.S. While some students enter the program immediately following the completion on an undergraduate degree, others have previously completed a master’s degree. Some students come from non-traditional backgrounds and are completing graduate study after time in the workforce. Doctoral students constitute nearly 85% of the student body.
Top-ranked applicants to the program are offered travel funds to visit KU before making their decision to attend.
The Lawrence school district is highly regarded as being one of the best in the country. Excellent on-campus childcare centers (Hilltop Child Development Center and the Edna A. Hill Child Development Center) give priority admission to KU students and provide sliding-scale fee levels.
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