Bachelor of Arts
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Explore life’s diversity in an integrative evolutionary framework, spanning genomes to ecosystems.
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 Arts degree is designed for students interested in natural history and the biological/environmental sciences who may not wish to pursue graduate study or a career in science. This degree is also offered on the AZ Online Campus.
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 catalog 2024:
Degree requirements catalog 2023:
Degree requirements beginning Spring 2022:
Degree requirements prior to Spring 2022:
Careers
Students who pursue the B.A. Ecology & Evolutionary Biology degree option may pursue careers in:
- Environmental policy
- Conservation writing
- Journalism
- Grant writing