1. Top Faculty
We work with well-known, respected faculty who provide ample opportunities for research collaboration, and exciting discussion. You’ll have freedom to pursue your own research ideas with a high degree of autonomy and independence, while at the same time benefiting from the expertise of fellow students and researchers. You will learn from and collaborate with leaders in our field.
2. Interdisciplinary Research
With both specialized and interdisciplinary departments, you can choose your targeted research. You have an opportunity to interact with them all to find where your interests fit.
3. Culture of Collaboration
UW-Madison has more ecologists! Our ecologists are spread across campus in many different departments, but what is really special about UW-Madison is the collaborative culture. Ecologists here are a collegial group, and the boundaries between the different departments are very permeable.
4. Excellent Facilities
UW-Madison has great research and computing facilities and an extensive library system. All libraries provide training sessions for specialized software and research tips. Statistical consulting is also a valuable resource, and the Graduate School offers many opportunities for professional development.
5. Great Course Offerings
You’ll never run out of interesting courses! If you are interested in a course, meet with the professor, or email and talk with previous students who have taken that course. There always is some overlap, so it pays to learn from other’s experiences.
6. State-of-the-Art Training in Teaching
If you are interested in teaching, you can earn a Delta Certificate in Research, Teaching, and Learning while you study here. This will help with your job applications if you intend to have a faculty position one day. The Delta program involves taking courses, seminars and planning an internship centered on your teaching interests.
7. Outstanding benefits plan
Tuition remission, excellent health insurance, and other benefits come with your TA, RA, or PA position.
8. Madison
Madison is a great place to live. It has serene nature areas, lively entertainment and community activities, an excellent bus system that’s free to UW-Madison students, and amazing bike trails!
9. Sustainability
Both the university and the city are seriously committed to the idea and practice of sustainability. Did you know that Earth Day was started by Gaylord Nelson, one of Wisconsin’s previous governors?
10. A Long Legacy in Ecology
There is a wonderful tradition of the study of ecology and a sense of space, place, and history among academics and Wisconsin residents. You’d be joining the ranks of John Muir, Edward Birge, Chancey Juday, Aldo Leopold, John Curtis, Gene Likens, George Schaller, Robin W. Kimmerer, and you!