Minor in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Our students become adroit critical thinkers who understand how organisms interact with and are formed by their environment, and our students go on to enjoy rewarding careers as environmental consultants, conservation scientists, foresters and researchers.

Ecology and evolutionary biology (EBIO) is the study of how organisms interact with and are formed by their environment. This minor offers students a broad range of learning opportunities, including traditional classroom experiences, field and laboratory research opportunities, and independent study. Â鶹ÒùÔº explore how organisms live and how they are constrained by evolutionary histories.

  • Understand the nature of biological processes, and how to synthesize a range of biological concepts and ideas
  • Develop critical thinking skills, including hypothesis generation and testing
  • Complement your undergraduate studies with a minor

Top five ecology programs in the nation and top 15 ecology programs in the world

(Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2020)

One of the lowest student-to-faculty ratios in biology, where students can work on research alongside faculty

Â鶹ÒùÔº can gain hands-on experience at our Mountain Research Station or through our Coral Reef Ecology and Conservation global intensive

Be successful.

A minor in ecology and evolutionary biology allows you to enter the workforce prepared to apply your skills of scientific reasoning and critical thinking.

 

Broaden your employment possibilities with additional knowledge and skills gained from a minor

 

Environmental consultant, conservation scientist, forester and researcher are common opportunities to apply this minor

 

Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 8% from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports

Academic Plan & Requirements

To complete the minor, students must take a minimum of 20 credit hours in EBIO.

Â鶹ÒùÔº may take courses at the Mountain Research Station and up to 3 credit hours of the following: independent study, independent research or internship credit.

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology has an extensive alumni network working in a variety of fields across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:  

(BA'94)
A professor and director of the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Vermont.

(PhD'97)
A professor of Earth system science in the Department of Global Ecology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Stanford University. He is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, and a fellow of the American Geophysical Union and the Ecological Society of America. In 2017, he received the Heinz Award in the Environment.