FAQs for Prospective Students
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These are the most common questions that we get from prospective students. If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact the GDPE Program Coordinator. You may also be interested in the Current Student FAQs page.
Is GDPE right for me?
The GDPE is the only degree-granting unit on campus that offers advanced degree in Ecology. We offer a MS in Ecology (thesis or Plan B) and a PhD in Ecology. A specialization in Human-Environment Interactions can also be attained with additional coursework. It is important to note that many faculty who participate in GDPE also support students directly through their home departments, and so it is possible to attain a MS or PhD degree in an ecologically-focused area by working with those faculty advisors in their home departments. The major distinction is that such advanced degrees are awarded by the academic department and are not designated "ecology" on the graduate diploma. Further, the curricular requirements for attaining advanced degrees in ecologically-related areas through an academic department differ from those in GDPE. Students who are admitted to graduate study at CSU in an academic department may later petition to transfer to GDPE.
Can you send me information on the program or the application process?
To keep costs down and to preserve the environment, we do not have an informational booklet or brochure that we send. This website is your information source. If you have questions, please contact the GDPE Program Coordinator.
What constitutes a proper background? Is my undergraduate work sufficient?
In general, having at least one course in Statistics and one course in Ecology is important. However, each applicant's situation and interests are unique. Research experience as an undergraduate, especially if you have the opportunity to complete an independent research project, is perhaps the most valuable investment of your time, since this will give you a taste of what to expect in graduate school, and allow you to decide if a research career is something you really want to do.
Which faculty members are actively looking for students?
Many faculty will accept good students as long as there is space in their lab and funding available through teaching or research assistantships. In addition, several faculty each year have funding for particular projects, and those faculty are actively searching for students. The current list of such open slots is updated each spring during the recruitment period.
Please do not hesitate to contact faculty whom you are interested in even if they are not on this list, however, since individual faculty may be open to having a new student even if they are not actively seeking one. For more information on finding an appropriate advisor, see the Finding an Advisor page.
Do all of the materials need to be sent together?
No. We will create a file for you and gather your materials together as they arrive. Review of applications begins at the end of the second week of January each year. Maximum consideration will be given to applicants who have all of their materials in by this date. You should contact the GDPE Program Coordinator if you have questions about your application.
Do recommendation letters require a special form?
No. In addition, we do accept email letters of reference, preferably as a PDF on official letterhead. This is often the most efficient and timely way to receive letters. They should be sent to ecology@colostate.edu.
Does the program offer financial support?
The GDPE offers a limited amount of first-year scholarship money to the most deserving applicants, based on faculty nominations. Resources to support students over the course of their program of study are provided through the primary/major advisor. This is generally in the form of Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) or Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs). Any agreements around support are between that faculty member and the student. Additional funding information can be found on the Funding page.
What physical resources does GDPE provide?
GDPE maintains all Ecology student files. GDPE does not provide other resources such as keys, mailboxes, space, or computer access. Such resources are provided by the student's home department as available.
Do I need to have a primary/major advisor before I can apply?
No, but it is to your advantage to be proactive about this process. It would greatly benefit your chances of being admitted to the program. Students are not admitted without a written letter of acceptance by a primary advisor.
If I have transfer credit that appears on my undergraduate transcript, do I still have to submit a transcript for these courses?
Absolutely! This is a University requirement and could delay your acceptance if it is missing. It helps verify that you have completed entrance requirements. The Graduate School will not review your transcripts until they have been verified by the Admissions office.
Why are two sets of transcripts required?
This is University policy. Upon admission, one set remains in the GDPE program files and one set is kept in the Graduate School.
What sorts of funding are available to cover tuition and research expenses?
A variety of funding sources are available to graduates students to cover tuition and research expenses, including Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs), Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs), and several external funding opportunities. For more information, please see our Funding page. Additionally, your advisor may have a research grant or access to other funding sources that will cover some or all of your research expenses. You should make sure to discuss funding opportunities when communicating with potential advisors.
Does GDPE offer financial support for international students?
We appreciate your interest in Colorado State University and the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology. Although we are very interested in accepting international students into our program for the breadth and depth that they bring, we have no Program funds dedicated to international student support. The only way we can accept international students is if they are self-funded or if a CSU faculty member agrees to fund them. We regret we cannot be more encouraging.
How does GDPE differ from departmental affiliation?
GDPE is not an academic department. GDPE faculty do not hold academic appointments in GDPE; their academic appointment is through their academic department (or NREL in the case of NREL scientists). GDPE is an interdisciplinary program and the only one that grants degrees in Ecology at Colorado State University. Your "home department" is that of your major professor.
When will I hear about whether or not I have been accepted into the program?
After your application is complete and has been reviewed, if a faculty member is seriously interested in you, he/she will offer you a position and communicate that to the GDPE administration. The process for admission recommendation will begin at that time. We begin to close applicant files in late April for those who have not been offered a position.
Do prospective students often visit the school, and if so, when is a good time?
All times of year are great in Fort Collins. However, if you are attempting to meet with faculty members, make sure you know they are available! The Front Range Student Ecology Symposium (FRSES) is a time when many prospective students come to campus. In addition, here is a general link for campus information: http://www.colostate.edu/visiting-campus.aspx