Degrees & Study Options
The Graduate Group in Ecology offers two degree options and an opportunity to work through San Diego State University in a Joint PhD Program.
Master of Science Degree by Thesis: MS Plan I - The MS by thesis option has a 30 unit minimum requirement, including up to 9 units of research credit. Twelve units of graduate coursework are required (including research).
Master of Science Degree by Oral Examination: MS Plan II - The MS by final examination option has a 36 unit requirement, including a minimum of three units of research credit and 18 units in graduate coursework.
You may be admitted to either MS degree option without restriction; this means that subsequent enrollment in the PhD program is at the discretion of the student, major professor, and the Chair of the Admissions Committee. MS students may apply to Change their degree objective to the PhD program by providing: a) petition to Change the Degree Objective, b) statement of purpose for the PhD, c) letter of recommendation from the Major Professor, and d) two additional letters of recommendation. Approval of the petition will be made by the Vice-Chair of Ecology. The student has the option of completing the MS prior to transferring to the PhD program, or not completing the MS.
Doctor of Philosophy. This degree does not have a unit requirement; required coursework includes core courses, AOE core courses and those required by the guidance committee. Applicants who already have a master's degree should apply directly to the PhD. Other applicants may apply for admission to the PhD program if desired, but should include evidence of research productivity in their application.
Joint Doctoral Program with San Diego State University. If you are interested in working with a faculty member at SDSU, you may apply for joint admission under this option. This program requires one year of residence at UCD (three academic quarters), but the majority of your time will be spent in San Diego and you will be working primarily with an SDSU faculty member. To apply to the Joint Program, you must apply simultaneously to both SDSU and UCD, and must be selected for admission by both programs. Students completing an MS at SDSU are not subject to this requirement, but may apply at a later date for entry into the Joint Program by following the dual application procedure. Questions regarding the Joint Doctoral Program should be directed to: Coordinator of the Joint Doctoral Program, Prof. Walter Oechel, Department of Biological Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182.
In reciprocity, UCD Ecology students can conduct research work based at SDSU, by arrangement.