PhD In Wildlife Ecology And Conservation (Doctor of Philosophy in Wildlife Ecology And Conservation)

PhD in Ecology About

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation with a concentration in Tropical Conservation and Development is a specialized graduate program designed for students who want to become experts in the field of wildlife conservation in tropical environments. This program is typically offered by universities or research institutions with expertise in wildlife ecology and conservation.

The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complex challenges associated with conserving tropical ecosystems and the wildlife they support. Students will study a wide range of topics related to wildlife conservation in tropical environments, including ecology, biodiversity, conservation biology, environmental policy, community-based conservation, and sustainable development.

The program typically requires several years of coursework and research, culminating in the completion of a doctoral dissertation. During their studies, students will have the opportunity to conduct independent research, work with wildlife conservation organizations, and collaborate with faculty members and other researchers in the field.

Graduates of a PhD program in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation with a concentration in Tropical Conservation and Development are well-prepared for careers in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry. They may work as professors, researchers, consultants, conservation biologists, or environmental policy analysts, among other roles.

PhD in Ecology Highlights

PhD in Ecology Entrance Exam

• CSIR UGC NET
• UGC NET
• ICAR AICE JRF/SRF
• IIT JAM
• VITMEE
• NIPER PhD Entrance Exam

PhD in Ecology Eligibility Criteria

The common PhD Ecology eligibility criteria that candidates need to fulfil to be considered eligible for admission to this course is as follows:

• Candidates should have completed their MSc or M.Phil degree in the respective field with a minimum aggregate of 60% and above from a recognized university.
• They should have passed the entrance examination conducted by the university for admission to the program such as NET/ GATE etc. 

PhD in Ecology Duration

PhD in Ecology Selection Criteria

Admission to the program is highly competitive, and selection criteria may vary between institutions. The admission committee typically evaluates candidates based on their academic achievements, research experience, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and compatibility with the institution's research priorities.

PhD in Ecology Admission Process

Merit-based admission

Apply to the colleges or universities you are interested in for admission.

Perform well in the undergraduate examinations as the scores obtained in these form the basis of the entire admission process.

In due course of time colleges release their cutoff lists. Check if you are eligible for admission into the desired course.

If eligible, visit the college and submit all the required documents.

Entrance Based Admission

Step 1: Students have to register themselves on the official website. 

Step 2: Fill out the application form with the correct details.

Step 3: After the entrance examination, a cutoff list will be released on the website. Seats will then be allotted to candidates based on their scores in the entrance exam. 

Step 4: Some colleges also conduct personal interviews and group discussions for admission to this course. 

Step 5: On fulfilling all the eligibility criteria, a student will then be offered admission to this course.  

PhD in Ecology How to Apply

• Candidates should start the application process well in advance of the application deadline.
• The application process typically involves submitting transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a research proposal.
• Some institutions may also require a personal interview.
• Candidates should carefully review the application requirements and instructions provided by the institution they wish to apply to.

PhD in Ecology Application Form and Process

Candidates can typically apply for a PhD in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation with a concentration in Tropical Conservation and Development online through the institution's website.

The application process usually involves creating an account, completing the application form, uploading supporting documents, and paying the application fee.

Candidates should follow the instructions provided by the institution carefully and submit all required documents by the application deadline.

PhD in Ecology Application Fee

PhD in Ecology Syllabus

PhD in Ecology Job Scope

Scientists: They are mainly responsible for creating and conducting complex research on genes, tissue, hormones, food, drugs, etc.

Ecologists: They monitor and survey the ecosystem and analyze different problems related to it such as Climate, Population, Biodiversity, etc. 

Energy Manager: Responsible for the management of Energy-related operations which should be on a similar page with the company vision.

Professor: Responsible for teaching , guiding and mentoring students on the current advancement in research in Renewable Energy

PhD in Ecology Career Opportunities

1. Academia: Many PhD graduates in Ecology pursue careers in academia as professors, lecturers, or researchers at universities and colleges. They conduct cutting-edge research in various ecological disciplines, teach courses, and mentor students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
2. Research Scientist: Ecologists can work as research scientists in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private research institutions. They conduct fieldwork, experiments, and data analysis to investigate ecological patterns, processes, and relationships, contributing to scientific knowledge and informing conservation efforts.
3. Conservation Biologist: Conservation biologists work to protect and preserve natural habitats, species, and ecosystems. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or consulting firms, designing and implementing conservation strategies, conducting biodiversity surveys, and monitoring endangered species.
4. Environmental Consultant: Ecologists with expertise in environmental science and natural resource management may work as consultants for environmental consulting firms or government agencies. They assess the environmental impact of development projects, conduct ecological surveys, and develop mitigation strategies to minimize environmental harm.
5. Policy Analyst/Advocate: Ecologists can work as policy analysts or advocates for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or advocacy groups, influencing environmental policies and regulations at local, national, and international levels. They may conduct research, analyze data, and provide scientific evidence to support conservation initiatives and environmental advocacy efforts.
6. Wildlife Biologist/Manager: Wildlife biologists study the behavior, ecology, and population dynamics of wildlife species. They may work for government agencies, conservation organizations, or wildlife management agencies, conducting research, managing wildlife populations, and developing conservation plans to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem health.
7. Environmental Educator/Outreach Coordinator: Ecologists may work as environmental educators or outreach coordinators for non-profit organizations, museums, nature centers, or government agencies. They develop educational programs, lead workshops and field trips, and engage with communities to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote conservation efforts.
8. Corporate Sustainability Specialist: Some ecologists work in the private sector as corporate sustainability specialists or environmental managers for companies seeking to minimize their environmental impact and adopt sustainable practices. They may develop and implement environmental management plans, conduct environmental audits, and ensure compliance with regulations.
9. Scientific Writing and Communication: Ecologists with strong writing and communication skills may pursue careers as science writers, editors, or communicators for scientific journals, magazines, websites, or outreach programs. They translate complex scientific concepts into accessible language for diverse audiences and help disseminate ecological research findings.
10. Entrepreneurship: Some PhD holders in Ecology may start their own consulting firms, research companies, or non-profit organizations focused on environmental conservation, ecological restoration, or sustainable resource management. They may develop innovative solutions, products, or services to address environmental challenges and promote ecological sustainability.

PhD in Ecology Top Colleges

University of Florida

Duke University

University of Michigan

University of California, Davis

Colorado State University

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Michigan State University

University of Minnesota

University of Georgia

University of Washington.

Admission Process for PhD in Ecology

1. Application for the entrance exam 
2. Result declaration
3. Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
4. Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
5. Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
6. Course work examination
7. Result declaration of coursework
8. Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
9. Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
10. A registration letter shall be issued
11. Research work started by scholar
12. 6 progress reports shall be submitted
13. Soft copy thesis submit
14. plagiarism report check by the university
15. Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
16. After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
17. After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
18. Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

Document Required For PhD in Ecology

• Documents (10th onwards)
• Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
• Migration Certificate (Original)
• NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
• Affidavit (undertaking)
• Guide Willing
• Assignments
• Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
• Library No Dues
• Lab Letter
• Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
• No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
• Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
• C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
• Conference Certificate - 2
• Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
• summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
• Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About Ph.D. Program 

Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D. Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.