Ecology, Evolution and Behavior becomes 10th doctoral program at Boise State

The Idaho State Board of Education approved the creation of a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior at Boise State University.

The interdisciplinary program, which will begin in the fall of 2017, plans to capitalize on already-in-place undergraduate and graduate programs in biology and raptor biology. These programs were identified as some of the strongest in the university’s recent program prioritization process.

“This newest doctoral program will significantly increase Idaho’s reputation as a leader in the field of ecological research and education, while also providing increased opportunities for cross-institutional collaboration,” Boise State University President Bob Kustra said. “We couldn’t be more excited about the trajectory of our graduate and research efforts, which were recently recognized by the Carnegie Foundation with our classification as a doctoral research institution.”

Faculty members from the biological sciences, geosciences and anthropology departments, as well as the Human-Environment Systems research center in the College of Innovation and Design, will help oversee the program.

“Approval of this program speaks to the excellence of our faculty in the ecological sciences,” Martin Schimpf, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said. “Thanks to their efforts, Boise State has become a respected partner in efforts to shape our understanding of, and response to, critical environmental issues.”

This will be Boise State’s 10th doctoral degree program.