Apply to the Ecology program
We offer three in person degree programs:
- Master of Science (MS) in Ecology (research based)
- PhD in Ecology
- PhD with specialization in Human-Environment Interactions
See the CSU Catalog for curriculum details or our timelines page for semester-by-semester expectations. Check if you qualify for a fee waiver for your application.
Most students admitted to the program are paid salary through their advisors with research or teaching assistantships (tuition typically being covered).
If you are a currently enrolled graduate student at CSU and are interested in transferring into GDPE, please see the details at the bottom of this page.
Application Steps
- Start preparing your application materials early – the preferred deadline for Fall is December 1, though we accept applications year-round.
- Students must have a GDPE faculty advisor to be admitted to the program, so an important step in the process is to identify those who share your research interests and indicate their names in your application.
- Contact these faculty members to express your interest in joining their lab and having them potentially serve as your advisor (here’s a helpful article on how to do this and another on questions to ask if you visit with them).
- Apply here.
Preferred* Application Deadlines
To start in Fall: December 1
To start in Spring: October 1
*We accept applications year-round, but early fall applicants are eligible to visit in February for our recruitment event.
International Applicants
We welcome international applicants, whose participation greatly enrich our community.
CSU’s English Proficiency requirements are here.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in any of the agricultural, anthropological, biological, biochemical, mathematical, or physical sciences from an accredited college or university
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Unofficial transcripts can be uploaded for review, but official transcripts should be requested as well.
- GRE scores are not required
- Two letters of recommendation that can be from professional or academic contacts.
- A statement of purpose (please limit this to no more than 2 pages; here’s some good advice on how to prepare your statement)
- To be admitted, you will need confirmation from a GDPE faculty member that they will serve as your advisor. Students can apply without a confirmed advisor, but cannot be admitted until we receive a letter of commitment from that advisor.
Preferred Qualifications
- Successful completion of at least one course in Statistics and one course in Ecology
- An average GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Demonstrated evidence of scientific productivity (particularly PhD students)
- Articulated evidence of leadership qualities
Our holistic evaluation
- We focus on 8 foundational areas in our initial review, aiming for a broad open pool as possible.
- Faculty members then evaluate alignment of interested and goals with their programs, and their availability and funding.
- Find the rubric here.
Tips for submitting application materials
- To submit official transcripts, contact your previous institutions to request submission of official transcripts to Colorado State University (Institution Code 4075; email [email protected]
- Enter reference contact information into your application. Your references will be emailed after you complete the necessary steps.
- For any documents that cannot be uploaded, submit paper copies directly to Graduate Admissions. Do NOT send transcripts, test scores, or letters of recommendation to GDPE; it will delay your application.
Graduate Admissions
Office of Admissions
Colorado State University
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062
Check your application status to ensure your application checklist is complete, and check for updates.
Interdepartmental Transfer Students
If you are a currently enrolled graduate student at CSU who is interested in transferring into GDPE, please follow these steps:
- Contact the GDPE Assistant Director (Dr. Jennifer Neuwald) to discuss your interest.
- Submit an application to transfer into GDPE.
- Have you advisor communicate their support for your transfer to the Assistant Director and submit a letter of commitment.
- Your original application materials in SLATE and your current CSU transcript will be reviewed (no need to submit any new materials).
- Upon approval, you will complete the GS7 – Change in Department form. Note: site codes and program codes can be found on the GDPE Forms webpage. If you are transferring prior to receiving your degree from your original department, please mark the 1st box under “select one.”
Interdepartmental transfer students are welcomed and encouraged to participate in New Student Orientation events.