PHD, Integrative Conservation

Degree Program Summary:

The Integrative Conservation (ICON) program trains students to confront the challenges of 21st century conservation research and practice. Areas of Emphasis include Anthropology; Ecology; Forestry and Natural Resources; Geography; or Marine Sciences. Students in the Integrative Conservation PhD Program (ICON) may choose from one of five tracks: Integrative Conservation with an Area of Emphasis in Anthropology; Integrative Conservation with an Area of Emphasis in Ecology; Integrative Conservation with an Area of Emphasis in Forestry and Natural Resources; Integrative Conservation with an Area of Emphasis in Geography; or Integrative Conservation with an Area of Emphasis in Marine Sciences. Graduate students in Integrative Conservation are eligible for a variety of assistantships or fellowships. In addition, students on fellowship or assistantship pay a reduced tuition of only $25 per semester. Applications are due on or by December 1st to enter the graduate program the following fall semester and be considered for graduate assistantships. If you have questions about the ICON Program, you may contact Sonia Hernandez at iconphd@uga.edu.

Degree requirements include the successful completion of coursework and comprehensive exams and submission of a dissertation consisting of original, integrative research in conservation. In the first two years, students take a core curriculum in integrative conservation and begin work on course requirements toward their Area of Emphasis. Advanced courses in specialized areas are also available through the many affiliated departments. The remainder of the program of study is designed by the student and his or her advisory committee to provide both disciplinary depth and a broad integrative vision of conservation. Students will be prepared for careers in research and teaching in academia, as well as for work in conservation or development NGOs or government agencies. Completion of the Ph.D. usually requires five to six years.

Applicants are expected to have a high GPA score and evidence of research activity. Consideration of candidates for financial assistance begins January 1 and is generally concluded by mid-April. Financial assistance begins with the fall semester. International students whose native language is not English must have a TOEFL overall score of 80 with at least 20 on speaking and writing. A TOEFL test without this speaking test component may not be substituted.

Office Location:
Holmes-Hunter Academic Building, Room 321
101 Herty Drive