The doctoral curriculum involves only elective courses and a Doctoral thesis. Credit completion and successful thesis presentation gives the student a Doctoral degree in Ecology and Conservation of Natural Resources, with a focus on Ecology and Biodiversity. 

• During doctoral course, the student improves theoretical and practical knowledge and the ability to act as an independent researcher and specialist in different ecological and biodiversity conservation aspects. The doctoral thesis, beyond the requirements common to the MSc dissertation, should be conducted from an original set of questions or hypothesis, on which the student will show not only methodological and theoretical proficiency, but also the capacity to identify technical hindrances and develop research strategies to overcome these obstacles.
• In the end of the course, the student should be able to use the acquired knowledge to envisage new research lines and organize innovative research proposals, compatible with the obtained degree, so to assure the teaching or investigation hiring institutions, both public and private, the initiative to identify alternatives and solutions for the main environmental concerns.
• Candidate profile: 
• Putative candidates are graduate students in Biology, Biomedical research, Agricultural sciences and Biotechnology, involving more specifically: Biology, Ecology, Geography, Agronomy, Forestry, Chemistry, Biotechnology, and other related areas. Candidates with degrees in other areas may be accepted pending evaluation by the Program committee/board of the curriculum and possibilities of successful integration into the curriculum structure and norms. Selection calls are published at annual basis and depicted in the Program web-page, and commonly include a research project and curriculum vitae evaluation. We have a limited number of fellowships from CAPES and FAPEMIG which provide monthly stipends for Brazilian and foreign resident students.

Initial approval: University resolution 5/98, Consun - 26/06/1998

Minimum completion time: 24 months

Normal completion time: 48 months

CAPES evaluation level: 2017 – Concept 5