Student conducting invasive species field research in a forest.

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology—BS

Solve Environmental Problems—From the Lab to the Field

Discover the nature, dynamics, and principles of ecological and evolutionary systems.

Our broad-based curriculum allows you to obtain knowledge and develop skills necessary to study and understand science and biodiversity of the natural world, prepare yourself for your next stage of education and research, and help solve environmental and human problems.

Specialize your training in molecular biology, genetics, field techniques, analysis of ecological and evolutionary data, and countless other topics through experiences in the classroom, laboratory, and field.

What is Ecology and Evolutionary Biology?

Ecology is the scientific study of interactions between organisms and their environment, and evolutionary biology studies the evolutionary process that produces and modifies the diversity of life on earth. An understanding of each of these fields and how they are interwoven is core for education in the biological sciences focused on behavior, biodiversity, conservation, and function from individuals to ecosystems.

The Keweenaw Is Your Classroom

Learning about the living world from inside a classroom doesn’t make much sense. Michigan Tech’s location amid diverse ecosystems teeming with life—waters, forests, wetlands, and more—makes it a prime location to study ecology and evolutionary biology. And when you are in the classroom, you’ll learn in up-to-date labs and research facilities, with access to some of the most advanced technology in the industry.

You can work on advanced DNA analysis, confocal microscopy, cell sorting, chromatography, and more.
You’ll get to work in the Great Lakes Research Center, a state-of-the-art facility on the waterfront that supports faculty in their high-level research of water, atmospheric science, and conservation.

There’s a benefit to studying ecology and evolutionary biology at a technological university!

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#5
best college for biology in Michigan
1,770
miles to The Bahamas study abroad program
35%
of undergraduates do research with faculty every year
#1
Best Value College in Michigan (niche.com, 2024)

Tomorrow Needs Talented Ecologists and Evolutionary Biologists

The demand for individuals with a strong, quantitative education in the biological sciences and high-level laboratory investigation and field research opportunities is great. A bachelor of science degree in ecology and evolutionary biology prepares you for a successful career. You’ll graduate thoroughly prepared to find success in environmental stewardship, research, conservation and restoration, education and outreach, or advanced education in graduate school.

Career Opportunities for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Majors

There are plenty of job opportunities in ecology and evolutionary biology. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 6% growth in jobs for environmental scientists from 2022 to 2032. The accelerated growth of jobs in the life sciences sector shows that careers for ecology and evolutionary biology majors will continue to be in high demand.

Great jobs await like Environmental Science and Protection Technician, ranked #6 in Best Science Jobs according to U.S. News & World Report in August 2024. Additional career opportunities include:

Ecoinformatics Specialist
Ecologist
Ecotoxicologist
Environmental Consultant
Environmental Educator
Environmental Lawyer
Evolutionary Biologist
Industrial Ecologist
Naturalist
Policy Analyst
Professor
Program Manager
Research Assistant
Research Scientist
Scientific Writer
Teacher

Michigan Tech Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Majors Have Been Hired By

The growing list of companies that have hired Michigan Tech ecology and evolutionary biology graduates includes:

Clinton River Watershed Council
Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science
Tetra Tech Solid Waste
Army Corps of Engineers

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying ecology and evolutionary biology at Michigan's flagship technological university.

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"I've had great experiences at Tech going out into the field."Lily Williston, ecology and evolutionary biology

I love the flexibility and the opportunities you get to take to forge your own path in the degree. You can tailor your education to what you are most interested in. Thus, I was able to take courses like Mammalogy, Tropical Island Biology, Valuing the Great Lakes, Botany, and more!Tessa Tormoen '23

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Tessa Tormoen '23

BS Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Student Learning Goals

When you complete our bachelors of science ecology and evolutionary biology degree, you can expect to achieve the following:

Learn about global issues and cultural constructs that influence the study of ecology and evolutionary biology.
Build a strong set of field and analytical hands-on skills related to the study of ecology and evolutionary biology.
Develop focused knowledge at all ecological levels of organization and within an evolutionary framework, and in broad relation to other basic sciences such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
Employ the scientific method to address ecological and evolutionary questions, formulate hypotheses, design basic studies, and synthesize and report results.
Examine socio-ecological dynamics and the ethics of humans in ecology and evolutionary biology.
Communicate effectively (orally and in writing) about issues related to ecology and science, in general.

Study Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at a Technological University

At Michigan Tech, you will build knowledge and research foundations required to succeed in graduate school, research, or the job market. You’ll learn and experience first-hand how biology is central to solving real-world problems in sustainability, human health, environment and industry. With biology faculty that also serve as your research advisors and mentors, you’ll use biology in the lab and present results in classrooms, research symposia, and scientific journals.

Get personalized attention: Our smaller department (labs average about 18 students) ensures you’ll build valuable relationships with world-class professors. They can better help pair you with research opportunities that meet your needs and provide valuable experience.
Customize your biology education: At Michigan Tech, our programs span biological sciences, biochemistry and molecular biology (biology focus), computational biology, ecology and evolutionary biology, human biology, medical laboratory science, and nursing. That interdisciplinary approach gives you exposure to different areas of biology. Take classes across different specialties to tailor your degree to fit your individual pathway. Add a minor.
Engage in biological science research: Become involved in a research project under the direction of a faculty member. Whether you are planning to go to graduate school or pursue a career upon graduation, one of the factors that often gives our students an edge is the opportunity to engage in research as an undergraduate student and gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art research instrumentation. A majority of our students conduct undergraduate research with faculty members.
Get involved: Utilize your interest in biology by getting involved with the Enterprise Program—teams of undergraduate students working on real-world products and research for industry. Or get involved with any number of professional organizations—Biochemistry Club; Plant and Gardening Club; Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Club;Pre-Health Association; Association of Students for People, Environments, and Nature; and more.

Undergraduate Majors in Biological Sciences

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem.
Just declare the General Sciences and Arts major, give yourself time, and decide when you arrive on campus. To learn more speak to an academic advisor.

Undergraduate Minors

Specialize in a secondary discipline outside of or complementary to your major, expand your knowledge base, and boost your potential career options with these nine biology-centric minors. A minor in a pre-professional program such as Pre-Law or Pre-Health prepares you for graduate school and future careers in law and medicine. You can declare a major anytime, but it is recommended you begin your minor studies as early as possible in your academic career. To learn more, speak to an academic advisor.

Biochemistry
Biological Sciences
Bioprocess Engineering
Ecology
Fish Biology
Microbiology
Nanoscale Science and Engineering
Plant Biotechnology
Plant Sciences

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your biology skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, and tomorrow's high-tech business landscape.

"When I look through the microscope in Dr. Werner’s lab, I don’t see tiny insects. I see genetic stepping stones leading to life-changing developments in fertility, aging, cancer, and other areas of human health research."
Tessa Steenwinkel ‘20, BS Ecology and Evolutionary Biology