Ecology, Evolution & Behavior Doctoral Ranking

Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior (EEB) is a multidisciplinary field that explores the interactions between organisms and their environments, the processes driving evolutionary change, and the behavioral adaptations that species exhibit to survive and reproduce. This dynamic and integrative area of study combines principles from biology, genetics, environmental science, and evolutionary theory to answer fundamental questions about the natural world. Doctoral programs in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior offer students opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research, study ecological systems, explore evolutionary mechanisms, and examine behavior from molecular, genetic, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives. According to the National Research Council Report (2007), the United States is home to several leading graduate programs in this specialized field, with a small group of institutions standing out for their research excellence, faculty expertise, and academic rigor.

At the top of this list is Stanford University, which shares the highest rating in the National Research Council’s 2007 analysis with a score of 4.51. Stanford has long been recognized for its interdisciplinary approach and its commitment to cutting-edge research in ecology, evolution, and behavioral science. The university offers a stimulating academic environment, with access to outstanding research facilities, renowned faculty members, and strong collaborations across departments and disciplines. Stanford's EEB program provides students with the opportunity to engage in a variety of research areas, including population biology, conservation biology, evolutionary genetics, ecological modeling, behavioral ecology, and ecosystems analysis. Stanford’s location in California also allows students to conduct research in diverse ecological systems, from coastal estuaries to mountain forests and grasslands, enriching their academic and practical experiences.

Closely following Stanford is the University of Chicago, which is also rated 4.51 in the National Research Council analysis. The University of Chicago has an outstanding reputation for its emphasis on theoretical and empirical research in the life sciences, with a particular focus on evolutionary biology, ecological systems, and the behavioral study of species. The university’s faculty members are leaders in the field, with groundbreaking research spanning ecological theory, evolutionary genetics, climate change, conservation, and adaptive behavior. At the University of Chicago, students have access to multidisciplinary research opportunities and collaboration, combining the fields of genetics, physiology, evolutionary biology, and environmental change. The institution's rigorous academic structure, coupled with its research strengths, positions it as one of the most influential centers for graduate study in ecology and evolution.

The Duke University program follows closely behind in third place with a score of 4.49. Duke’s emphasis on interdisciplinary research and applied ecological science makes it a top choice for students interested in exploring the complex dynamics of ecological and evolutionary systems. The university’s faculty members are internationally recognized researchers, and students in the Duke EEB program benefit from their expertise, access to cutting-edge laboratories, and field research opportunities. The program is particularly well-known for its emphasis on conservation biology, evolutionary genetics, behavioral ecology, and ecological modeling. Additionally, Duke’s location in North Carolina allows students to study a variety of ecological habitats and environmental conditions, making it easier to undertake diverse research projects in real-world settings.

Cornell University holds the fourth spot with a rating of 4.44, reflecting its strength in both theoretical and empirical research in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior. Cornell has a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary exploration and the integration of genetics, evolutionary biology, and ecological science. The university’s program offers students opportunities to study areas such as conservation biology, ecological restoration, population genetics, evolutionary development, and environmental change. Cornell’s faculty members are well-established leaders in the field, and the university is known for its collaborative and supportive research community. The university also provides students with access to numerous field research opportunities, supported by Cornell’s strong commitment to environmental and ecological research.

Rounding out the top five is the University of California, Davis (Cal Davis), which has a rating of 4.42. UC Davis is a leader in the fields of biology and environmental sciences, with a strong emphasis on ecological systems, evolutionary processes, and behavioral science. The university is renowned for its research strengths in agricultural ecology, environmental change, climate change biology, conservation, and evolutionary genetics. UC Davis offers a collaborative research environment and provides students with opportunities to work on interdisciplinary research projects that have real-world applications, particularly in conservation biology and environmental management. The program at UC Davis combines rigorous academic study with practical research opportunities, emphasizing both fieldwork and laboratory analysis.

These rankings underscore the academic strength and research capabilities of the top graduate programs in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior in the United States. Institutions like Stanford, Chicago, Duke, Cornell, and UC Davis are at the forefront of research in these interconnected disciplines, offering students access to renowned faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and diverse ecosystems for fieldwork and experimentation. Students enrolled in these programs gain training in ecological theory, behavioral analysis, genetic research, climate change modeling, and conservation practices. They also have opportunities to conduct independent research projects that contribute to addressing global environmental challenges, conservation efforts, and the understanding of evolutionary processes.

The National Research Council’s ranking methodology for graduate programs considers a variety of factors, such as the quality of faculty research, the number of graduates placed in academic and research positions, the level of financial support available to students, and overall research productivity. The strength of these programs is evident through their high scores, which reflect their commitment to producing innovative, interdisciplinary research and fostering a collaborative learning environment for graduate students.

Ranking of Best Ecology, Evolution & Behavior Doctoral Programs in the US:
1 Stanford 4.51
2 Chicago 4.51
3 Duke 4.49
4 Cornell 4.44
5 Cal Davis 4.42
6 Princeton 4.34
7 Washington 4.30
8 Cal Berkeley 4.29
9 Wisconsin 4.18
10 Texas 4.12
11 SUNY Stony Brook 4.12
12 Michigan 4.10
13 Washington (St. Louis) 3.94
14 Penn 3.90
15 Minnesota 3.88
16 Georgia 3.87
17 Yale 3.83
18 UCLA 3.82
19 Cal San Diego 3.82
20 Cal Santa Barbara 3.81
21 Arizona 3.80
22 Cal Irvine 3.77
23 Oregon State 3.74
24 Utah 3.65
25 Rutgers 3.60
26 Penn State 3.60
27 Cal Riverside 3.60
28 Florida 3.57
29 Illinois 3.52
30 Indiana 3.49
31 Colorado 3.46
32 Michigan State 3.41
33 Florida State 3.41
34 Arizona State 3.41
35 Utah State 3.39
36 Massachusetts 3.39
37 Washington State 3.37
38 Tennessee 3.35
39 Northern Arizona 3.35
40 Connecticut 3.35
41 North Carolina 3.33
42 Brown 3.30
43 Maryland 3.28
44 Ohio State 3.27
45 New Mexico 3.24
46 North Carolina State 3.20
47 Virginia 3.14
48 Oklahoma 3.11
49 SUNY Albany 3.10
50 Purdue 3.10
51 Syracuse 3.09
52 Vermont 3.04
53 Kentucky 3.04
54 Wyoming 3.00
55 Iowa State 3.00
56 Colorado State 2.99
57 Nebraska 2.96
58 Rochester 2.95
59 Iowa 2.94
60 Hawaii Manoa 2.94
61 Cal Santa Cruz 2.93
62 LSU 2.91
63 South Carolina 2.87
64 CUNY 2.87
65 SUNY Binghamton 2.86
66 Johns Hopkins 2.83
67 Alaska 2.83
68 VPI 2.80
69 Texas Tech 2.79
70 Missouri 2.79
71 Nevada Reno 2.74
72 Vanderbilt 2.73
73 Miami 2.67
74 Dartmouth College 2.65
75 Southwestern Louisiana 2.64
76 Texas A&M 2.61
77 Rutgers Newark 2.61
78 Clemson 2.61
79 Idaho State 2.60
80 Tulane 2.58
81 Kansas State 2.57
82 Alabama 2.57
83 Wake Forest 2.56
84 South Florida 2.54
85 Claremont 2.54
86 Boston Univ 2.54
87 Maine 2.52
88 Montana 2.51
89 Pittsburgh 2.42
90 George Mason 2.41
91 Bowling Green 2.40
92 Wayne State 2.39
93 Southern Illinois 2.39
94 Oklahoma State 2.39
95 Notre Dame 2.37
96 Cal Tech 2.35
97 Missouri Saint Louis 2.33
98 SUNY Forestry 2.27
99 Houston 2.24
100 SUNY Buffalo 2.17
101 Old Dominion 2.16
102 Idaho 2.14
103 Brigham Young 2.14
104 Ohio 2.13
105 Arkansas 2.12
106 Cincinnati 2.11
107 Saint Louis 2.06
108 New Mexico State 2.00
109 Mississippi State 2.00
110 Illinois State 1.91
111 New Hampshire 1.88
112 Kent State 1.88
113 Drexel 1.83
114 Howard 1.80
115 North Texas 1.72
116 Alabama Birmingham 1.68
117 Montana State 1.63
118 North Dakota State 1.61
119 Southern Mississippi 1.50
120 Fordham 1.45
121 Puerto Rico Rio Piedras 1.31
122 Clark 1.20
123 Loma Linda 1.17
124 Dayton 1.16
125 New York Medical 0.50
126 Tulsa 0.47
127 Kansas 0.46
Source: National Research Council Report 2007