How to Apply to the Graduate Program
in Interdisciplinary Ecology (IEC) - M.S. and Ph.D.

Applications are due by January 31, 2025, for Summer and Fall 2025 admissions.

The IEC graduate program is designed for students interested in conducting interdisciplinary research in emerging ecological and environmental issues. Graduate assistantships are available for qualified students. See the "Applying for Financial Assistance" section below.

Candidates seeking admission to the degree program in Interdisciplinary Ecology should obtain application materials from the sources listed below. Applications are received centrally by the University of Florida Office of Admissions. The process and required application materials are different for U.S. applicants and international applicants. Admission decisions are made by the School after assessment of eligibility based on academic background and experience, placement with a faculty advisor who agrees to accept the applicant into his or her research group (See SNRE Affiliate Faculty), and allocation of financial support (if available).

For general guidance on how to apply, see the checklist below and view general admissions requirements at UF's Office of Admissions page.

      Eligibility for Admission

The University of Florida Graduate School requires applicants to have a minimum grade average of B (3.0 on a 4-point scale) for all upper-division undergraduate work.

For students whose native language is not English, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is also required. Information on TOEFL preparation and testing is provided on the Graduate School website. International students from English-speaking countries are exempt from taking the TOEFL test.

      Application Process

Questions? Contact Karen Bray, Graduate Academic Advisor, at kbray@ufl.edu.

Submit your graduate application online here by creating an account or signing into an existing account. *In order to apply to the Interdisciplinary Ecology major, please click on the college (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences), then click on the type of degree program “Interdisciplinary Ecology” Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Master of Science (MS).

Be sure you enter the correct date of the semester for which you wish to be considered. If you mistakenly type the current year instead of next year, your application will not be visible when staff looks up next year's applications. If you make this error and need to change the date, you need to contact the Office of Admissions. After you have submitted your application, you cannot alter your information, except for three (3) letters of recommendation, for which you can update contacts and send reminders as necessary. However, you can send additional information or updates directly to SNRE Staff.

Helpful tips for completing UF online graduate application

  Checklist

1. Online Application for Admission to Graduate School for U.S. or international students 
2. Statement of Purpose (details below)
3. Resume or CV*
4. Application fee ($30 application fee and $7 administration fee)
5. Official transcripts of all collegiate work need to be sent to the Office of Admissions
6. Official copy of TOEFL score needs to be sent to the Office of Admissions for international students with a native language other than English. The University of Florida TOEFL Institution code is 5812. 
7. Three (3) letters of recommendation (If a letter-writer has problems with their submission, please have them contact SNRE Staff.)

Note: GRE scores are no longer needed to apply to the School of Natural Resources and Environment.

*Pursuant to Florida Statute, your application requires the inclusion of all post-high school education and employment, as well as information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding. Please ensure this information is included on your curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé.

Note: You are able to apply for more than one degree program at UF, however, you must submit a separate application and pay additional application and administrative fees. 

      Statement of Purpose

Write and submit a short essay (maximum length of one page typed and single-spaced, approximately 500 words) describing your graduate education and career interests. What is your vision for your program of study and research? With reference to our curriculum requirements and the Social-Ecological System depicted on our curriculum webpage, briefly but specifically describe how your vision for graduate work makes you a good fit in our degree program in comparison with other more specialized degree programs available at the University of Florida. Be sure to identify your general area(s) of interest and list specific examples. It will be very helpful to the faculty reviewing your application for you to identify the general nature of any fundamental concepts, questions-problems-opportunities, and problem-solving that you intend to investigate during your graduate studies. Identify the general types of employment or examples of employers you envision for your subsequent career. Summarize any research, teaching, job, or volunteer experiences that are relevant to your plans. If you are applying for a master's degree but intend to seek a doctoral degree subsequently, it would be helpful to say that in your statement.

      Florida Residency

Florida residency for tuition purposes is determined by the UF Office of Admissions.
For more details, please click on this link: Establishing Florida Residency for Tuition Purposes

      International Students

Once admitted, SNRE will work with the UF International Center to request an I-20 or DS-2019. The UFIC will contact you automatically to follow up. Please see the steps for I-20 or DS-2019 processing here.

      Teaching Assistantship Requirements

To be eligible for assignments as teaching assistants, students whose native language is not English also must demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in English either via the TOEFL iBT speaking section or the SPEAK Test. See this website for more details.

      Applying for Financial Assistance

If you would like to apply for funding, such as matching graduate assistantships or College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Dean’s Awards, you will first need to identify an Interdisciplinary Ecology (IEC) affiliate faculty member who agrees to be your advisor.  The IE affiliate faculty member should contact the SNRE Director to discuss admissions and any funding that is available. 

If you have other sources of external funding, please be sure to inform SNRE Director Dr. Ramesh Reddy.

For more information about funding opportunities, go to the UF Graduate School funding website.

      Campus Housing

If you desire to live on campus, you can apply online for housing at the same time you apply for admission. More information on on-campus housing.