Doctoral Degree

Applications

The selection of Doctoral students follows the criteria set out in the calls for applications that are published periodically by the program. The admission of students to the program depends on the availability of supervisors and funds for the research. There are no guarantees of scholarships for those approved in the selection process.

Students who completed their undergraduate degrees abroad are eligible to apply, provided that their degree is recognized by the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC). The degree certificate must be verified and approved by the PPGECO Delegate Council.

Calls for applications are announced on the program’s website. We recommend that you check the website periodically for new publications. Information can also be requested to the Integrated Graduate Office (SIPG) by email ‒ coordenacaosipg@contato.ufsc.br.

Since 2019, affirmative action and socio-economic criteria are considered for the ranking of applicants and the distribution of scholarships, in line with other selection processes at the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina.

Structure

Once admitted to the program, students must define a research project for their dissertation according to the Complementary Regulations available from the Regulations menu on this website. They must also decide which courses to take. These decisions must be made in agreement with the supervisor.

The doctoral degree has a minimum requirement of 48 (forty-eight) credits, 12 (twelve) of which must be completed in required courses. Required courses are: Ecology of Communities and Ecosystems, Population Ecology, Field Ecology, and Seminars I. A Teaching Practicum is also compulsory for scholarship holders. The Program Coordinator advises new students to also take Basic Statistics and Ecology Lectures.

Credits from master’s courses in Ecology can be accepted to complement those required for a doctoral degree. These credits must have been obtained in the past 5 years or less to be accepted.

Students who are not enrolled in any of the courses are required to enroll in the  “Dissertation or Thesis Preparation” course, under penalty of being withdrawn from the program.

Proof of proficiency in foreign languages will be requested. Students in the doctoral program must provide proof of proficiency in two foreign languages upon enrollment or during their first year in the program. Foreign students will be requested to take proficiency exams in the Portuguese language.

For more information, check the Program’s Bylaws and Resolutions, available from the Regulations menu on this website.