Quantitative Ecology and Resource Management

Program Overview

The Quantitative Ecology and Resource Management (QERM) Interdisciplinary Graduate Program offers students a unique opportunity to apply statistics, mathematics, and decision science to a broad range of problems in terrestrial and marine ecology, natural resource management, biometrics, and mathematical biology. The program attracts mathematically trained students interested in working on these problems, and biologically or environmentally trained students wishing to develop or enhance their quantitative skills.

The QERM program is interdisciplinary, bringing together diverse faculty from a wide range of academic areas such as statistics, applied mathematics, forestry, biology, aquatic and fishery sciences, oceanography, and marine affairs. This diversity provides strength to the program.

Graduate Program

Graduate Program Coordinator
304 Loew Hall, Box 352182
206-616-9571
qerm@uw.edu

Both a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree are offered; graduates are capable of continuing the development and extension of biometrical and biomathematical modeling as they enter the educational, research, or private-sector work force.

Admission Requirements

1. Background in probability and mathematical statistics, linear algebra, and differential equations. Applicants with little or no statistical background should take additional coursework prior to applying. Although not mandatory, this background makes a student's application more competitive.
2. Successful completion of the following coursework (or equivalent) prior to applying: MATH 126 (or equivalent); MATH 308 (or equivalent).
3. Strongly recommended: MATH 394-MATH 395; STAT 341-STAT 342, or STAT 481.
4. Also taken into consideration:
1. Minimum 3.00 GPA in last 60 semester or last 90 quarter credits required.
2. Normally, completion of college-level courses in probability and mathematical statistics, linear algebra, and differential equations.
3. Scores on Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Competitive applicants generally score above the 75th percentile on the verbal and analytic sections, and above the 85th percentile on the quantitative section.
4. Minimum TOEFL score of 580 (237 for computer-based tests) - for international students only.
5. Knowledge of the intended area of study, including clearly written statement of objectives.
6. Recommendations from persons familiar with the applicant's academic ability and potential.
7. Admission is also dependent on program resources and fit between student interests and faculty research. Students should explore faculty research interests by reviewing the QERM Website, depts.washington.edu/qerm, to determine if their area of research interest is conducted at the UW. Students are not required to enter the QERM program with a faculty adviser selected in advance. Typically students identify their research and faculty adviser during their first year of study.
5. Application deadline for autumn quarter is January 15.

Degree Requirements (For Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy)

Required coursework reflects the expectation that the student already has a fundamental understanding of the principles of statistical inference and ecological modeling. Required coursework taken during the first year includes: STAT 512 and STAT 513, AMATH 410, AMATH 422, ESRM 490, QERM 514, and QERM 597.

Following the first year of core coursework, students select elective coursework in an area of emphasis ranging from biometry, mathematical modeling, and resource management. Additional elective coursework in basic biology and ecology gives students greater insight into the environmental systems in which they expect to apply their quantitative training.

Requirements for successful completion of the master of science degree include:

1. Successful completion, at the M.S. level, of the applied methods and statistical theory qualifying examinations administered after the first year of study.
2. Successful completion of a minimum 36 quarter credits, including 27 course credits and 9 thesis credits, with at least 18 credits of coursework numbered 500 or above, including a thesis.
3. Receipt of numerical grades in at least 18 quarter credits of coursework taken at the UW.
4. Completion of a seminar on results of the research and oral defense of the thesis.
5. Completion of all University requirements for graduation.

Requirements for successful completion of the doctoral degree, minimum of 90 credits, include:

1. Successful completion of the applied methods and statistical theory qualifying examinations at the Ph.D. level, following the first year of study.
2. Successful completion of a minimum of 90-quarter credits, including 27 dissertation credits. Completion of an M.S. degree may be applied toward one year of the Ph.D. program. The core QERM courses must be taken if the student has obtained an M.S. from another program.
3. A seminar on results of the research and an oral defense of the dissertation.
4. Completion of all University requirements for graduation.

Financial Aid

Funding opportunities include fellowships, teaching, and research assistantships and are available for each year of study. The Graduate School or the home department of the QERM faculty adviser provides this funding. Tuition is typically included as part of the financial package. Funding decisions are made yearly; attempts are made to continue support for students making satisfactory progress.