About the Major

Students pursuing a degree in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology will learn about the integration of biological systems across all levels of organization, from molecules to global ecosystems. You’ll learn about the history, development, and interaction of Earth’s organisms—including plants, animals, and single-celled life forms—as well as species evolution, the effect of environmental pressures on evolution, patterns of biological diversity, and species interaction within ecosystems.

The Bachelor of Science degree is designed primarily for students who plan to pursue graduate studies or professional careers in ecology, evolutionary biology, or a related scientific field.

Curriculum

This Major covers a wide range of topics such as the genetic analysis of complex traits, evolution at the molecular level, phylogenetic analysis, organismal form and function, population and community ecology, genomics, and mathematical modeling. The course of study includes a core set of courses in genetics, ecology, and evolution, and a wide range of advanced course options in evolutionary and ecological genomics, phylogenomics, plant/animal form and function, organismal diversity and evolution (e.g., ornithology, mammalogy, herpetology, etc.), animal behavior, community and ecosystem ecology, and ecological and evolutionary theory, among many other topics.

The Bachelor of Science degree requires an internship or research experience. Students are strongly encouraged to become involved in independent research, either by working in faculty labs or through targeted programs.

Degree requirements prior to Spring 2022:

Degree Requirements

Degree requirements beginning Spring 2022:

Degree Requirements

Degree requirements 2023 catalog:

Degree Requirements

Course Planning

Hey current EEB majors - Unsure which courses to enroll in next? Follow the link below for suggested course sequences. For additional guidance, you can also view the Sample Four-Year Plans attached to your major’s Degree Check-sheet linked above.  

Course Sequence Guide for Biology and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Majors

Careers

Graduates of our B.S. Ecology & Evolutionary Biology program have gone on to careers as:

• Research analysts
• Research biologists
• Lab technicians
• Conservation technicians
• Genetic technologists