This paper discusses the growth and expansion of the graduate programs in Ecology and Environment in Brazil, particularly in the beginning of this new millennium. The expansion is verifi ed along fi ve axes: geographic, thematic, partnerships, targeted public, and academic excellence. It argues that this expansion pattern precisely fi ts the goals forwarded by the National Plan for Graduate Studies 2005- 2010. Finally, the paper discusses new expansion frontiers for which the area will need to aim.