The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is based on proficiency in statistical inference, ecological modeling, and resource management, and upon a superior ability to carry out important and independent research, as demonstrated by the successful completion of a doctoral dissertation. It is distinguished from the M.S. degree by greater rigor and depth of research and scholarship.

A doctoral degree requires a minimum of 90-quarter credits earned over a period of at least three years and completion of a dissertation. Completion of a master’s degree may be applied toward one year of the doctoral program requirements. The QERM core coursework must be taken if the student obtained a master’s degree from another institution. Occasionally, students initially accepted into the master’s program will be allowed to proceed directly to the doctoral program as detailed in the Master’s Degree By-Pass policy.

Core Coursework:

QERM 597 – QERM Fall Seminar (2 credits)

QERM 597 – QERM Winter Seminar (2 credits, taken every year)

QERM 514 – Analysis of Ecological and Environmental Data (4 credits)

BIOST 522– Statistical Inference for Biometry I (4 credits)

BIOST 523– Statistical Inference for Biometry II (4 credits)

SEFS 540 – Optimization Techniques for Natural Resources (5 credits)

CSE 583 – Software Engineering for Data Scientists (4 credits)

AMATH 523 – Mathematical Analysis in Biology and Medicine (5 credits)

Statistics Elective: One higher level statistics class (e.g. STAT 512, STAT 516, etc.) as determined by the student’s committee (3-5 credits)

Electives:

Additional electives (minimum of 12) are selected with the guidance of the doctoral supervisory committee.

Dissertation credits:

QERM 800 – Doctoral Dissertation (minimum 27 credits)

UW Graduate School Requirements:

In addition to the requirements established by QERM, students must also meet all requirements established by the UW Graduate School at the time of degree completion.