Applying to the Graduate Group in Ecology
Apply to the Graduate Group in Ecology (GGE) using the online UC Davis Graduate Studies admissions application system. When applying to the Graduate Group in Ecology, make sure to select “Ecology” from the list of majors in the application portal. Every year, students mistakenly select "Ecology (Joint Program with San Diego State University)” when intending to apply to the core GGE program and this mistake cannot be changed after the fact. The application system is open in late September/early October. Note that the GGE has prerequisites for entry, which can be found here.
The Joint Degree Program in Ecology at San Diego State University
Applying to the Joint Doctoral Program in Ecology with San Diego State University
As an alternative to the Graduate Group in Ecology (GGE), some Ph.D. applicants may be interested in an alternative but closely related program: the Joint Doctoral Program in Ecology with San Diego State University (JDPE). This program is administered collaboratively by both UC Davis and San Diego State University. More information on the JDPE can be found here. The primary relationship of the JDPE to the GGE is that students in the JDPE spend one year at UC Davis and the remainder at SDSU, and adhere to degree requirements that are integrated into the GGE. Individuals applying to the JDPE file the main UC Davis graduate application by selecting “Ecology (Joint Program with San Diego State University)” from the list of majors. If accepted, JDPE applicants then complete a second, supplemental application to San Diego State University. the general in this program, make sure you select “Ecology (Joint Program with San Diego State University)” from the list of majors when applying. As emphasized above, applicants should be careful not to confuse the “Ecology” option with the “Ecology (Joint Program with San Diego State University)” option in the list of majors within the UC Davis application portal. An incorrect selection cannot be changed after the fact.
Deadline
The deadline is December 1st for application to the Graduate Group in Ecology (GGE) and Joint Doctoral Program in Ecology with San Diego State University (JDPE). All letters of recommendation and required materials must be received by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
For information on waivers for the application fee, please visit this link and see the "Application Fee Questions" section.
Major Professor
Like most graduate programs in ecology and evolution, the GGE requires that incoming students have a major professor – a faculty member who will operate as a student’s primary academic advisor, mentor, supervisor, and professional advocate – willing to accept them. A potential student must therefore contact faculty that interest them in early summer or fall prior to the application deadline to confirm that the professor is accepting students, and to establish whether mutual interest exists in the student possibly joining the professor’s research group. Regular communication should continue thereafter, throughout the application process. A link of faculty in the GGE who are considering accepting students is posted here (note that this list is updated regularly). The GGE Admissions Committee will not recommend admission of a student to the graduate group unless a major professor has agreed to accept them.
Diversity
The GGE is committed to the university's mission of diversity and equality in higher education and will evaluate each applicant's potential to contribute to diversity in our program and field. Applicants can reflect their leadership in diversity in the Personal History/Diversity Statement portion of the application.
Holistic Review
The GGE evaluates applicants using holistic review, which is an evidence-based approach to identify people that are likely to be successful in ecology research, regardless of what ecology research opportunities may have been available to them prior to their application. Students can increase their likelihood of being admitted by specifically addressing the following criteria in their application essay. Criteria considered include:
- Creativity and innovation. Applicant proposes and/or demonstrates a history of creativity and innovation in approaching science and/or problem-solving.
- Long-term goals and commitment. Applicant demonstrates ability and willingness to work hard and steadily towards long-term goals.
- Contributions to diversity. Applicant has the potential to contribute to diversity in higher education/ecology as evidenced by life experiences, educational background (e.g. non-traditional paths) and/or ability to articulate the barriers facing underrepresented communities in higher education/science (Wording for ‘Contributions to Diversity’ trait is adapted from UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program).
- Outreach and inclusion. Applicant shows commitment and/or motivation to making science accessible and inclusive of communities both within and outside the University.
- Academic preparedness. Applicant demonstrates academic preparation and “toolbox” that equips them well for graduate coursework and research
- Resilience and adaptability. Applicant demonstrates ability to push past obstacles and/or to take in new information/events and adjust accordingly. Has clear understanding of uncertainty in a way that will equip them to weather the ups and downs of research and graduate school (Wording for ‘Resilience and Adaptability’ trait is adapted from Fisk-Vanderbilt Bridge Program).
- Research experience. Applicant has taken advantage of relevant research opportunities available to them, given socio-economic background and previous schools attended. Has a realistic perspective on how to conduct and/or complete research projects; strong ability to work independently and problem solve.
- Leadership and work experience. Applicant demonstrates maturity through clear communication, ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team, strong organizational skills, and/or ability to juggle multiple tasks at once.
To read more about some of the research behind holistic review, please see Stassun et al. (2011), Victoroff and Boyatzis (2013), Miller and Stassun (2014).
English Language Exam Scores
All international students not having English as a first language, or who have not studied at an institution where English is the language of instruction, must submit an official TOEFL or IELTS score. Minimum proficiency scores are set by the university and can be found here. If admitted, an international student may also be required by the university to complete an English proficiency examination upon arrival at the university and, depending upon the result of this exam, may be required to take English language courses. Please review application requirements for international students at this link.
Transcripts
UC Davis requires academic records (i.e. transcripts including a GPA) from each college-level institution the student has attended, and these transcripts are used as one metric of academic merit within the holistic review. Students are also encouraged to use other application materials to frame their grades in a context that best reflects their skills and credentials. For instance, working full time to support family members can lower a student’s grades, but it also demonstrates work ethic, adaptability, and perseverance in the face of life challenges, so would be a welcome topic in a personal history statement, the statement of purpose, or in letters of recommendation. Students will be instructed to upload scanned copies of their transcripts after they have submitted their online application. For more details visit this link.
Letters of Recommendation
Writers of recommendation letters may reflect a mix of backgrounds (e.g., academic or employment). Three letters of recommendation are required, but students should seek to include at least two individuals who are qualified to evaluate the quality of the student’s scholastic achievements and academic training as well as their ability to carry out independent research. This is especially important if a student has previous research experience. It is helpful to ask the references to address those characteristics that are important to admission (e.g., the traits outlined above that are considered in holistic review).
Personal History & Diversity Statement
As stated on the graduate admissions website:
The purpose of this essay is to get to know you as an individual and potential graduate student. Please describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. You may include any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, community service, outreach activities, residency and citizenship, first-generation college status, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how your life experiences contribute to the social, intellectual, or cultural diversity within a campus community and your chosen field; or how you might serve educationally underrepresented and underserved segments of society with your graduate education. Explicitly addressing elements of the holistic review criteria as appropriate will strengthen a student’s application.
Statement of Purpose
In this essay, students should describe (1) what is motivating them to attend graduate school at UC Davis (i.e., career goals), (2) their core research interests, and (3) how their background makes them a good fit to the Ecology program and the lab to which they are applying. When discussing their background, the students should be sure to highlight any prior research experiences, employment/internships, or academic coursework that make them a competitive applicant. Explicitly addressing elements of the holistic review criteria as appropriate will strengthen a student’s application.