Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Information on the program requirements for the graduate programs can be found in the RenR Graduate Program Handbook.
Conservation Biology
PhD in Conservation Biology: An interdisciplinary field of research for students drawing on natural and social sciences with the aim of protecting species and their habitats. Research topics include: environmental issues; status and trend analysis; threats to biodiversity; conservation priorities; strategy development; as well as ethics and values.
PhD in Wildlife Ecology & Management: Students in this field of study conduct research on wild plants and animals across a broad range of ecosystems and biomes. Research topics include: nutritional and behavioral ecology; community ecology; impacts of forest harvest, energy development, and agriculture; indigenous knowledge and co-management of wildlife resources.
PhD in Protected Areas & Wildlands Management: This field of study focuses on biological, social, or economic aspects of wilderness conservation, recreation, and tourism. Research topics include: ecosystem management; protected area planning; socioeconomic issues; eco-tourism; interpretation and environmental education.
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Forest Ecology and Management
PhD in Forest Biology and Management: Students in this field develop a scientific basis for improvements to forest management practices which aim to ensure economic and ecological sustainability now and in the future. Research topics include: integrated forest management; forest ecology, silviculture, fire science, tree physiology, forest genetics, forest entomology, forest regeneration, and wildlife management.
PhD in Water and Land Resources: This field of study focuses on biological, social, or economic aspects of forest resource utilization. Research topics include: land use planning, forest hydrology, watershed management, wetland management, conservation planning, natural resource politics and governance, and environmental risk assessments.
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LAnd Reclamation and Soil Science
PhD in Land Reclamation & Remediation: Students in this field develop techniques for reconstructing soil following oil, gas and mining disturbance to avoid soil degradation (erosion), and improve and maintain soil productivity for a variety of end land uses. Research topics include: soil salvaging techniques; removal or reduction of pollutants; soil amendments; revegetation; standards development; and environmental impact assessment.
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PhD in Soil Science: This field of study is for students that understand soils as a three-dimensional ecosystem or ecosystem component, and research how to preserve soil and arable land in a world with a growing population. Research topics include: soil morphology and classification; biogeochemical cycles; soil chemistry; soil physics and mineralogy; rhizosphere ecology; soil-plant relationships and soil fertility.