Solve Environmental Problems
Discover the nature, dynamics, and principles of ecological and evolutionary systems. Solve problems affecting the natural world and improve the future of ecological systems and the humans who depend on them through basic science, management, restoration, and conservation of ecosystems.
Michigan Tech's broad-based curriculum gives you the knowledge and skills needed 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.
Find out what calls to you. 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. Get involved in undergraduate research through paid work experience. Earn research credits toward your degree, or apply for a summer undergraduate research fellowship or undergraduate research internship.
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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
Michigan Tech's location in the Keweenaw Peninsula is rich with diverse ecosystems teeming with life—in the waters, forests, wetlands, and more—making Tech a prime location to study ecology and evolutionary biology. During your time 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.
- Work on advanced DNA analysis, confocal microscopy, cell sorting, chromatography, and more.
- Build research experience in the Great Lakes Research Center, a state-of-the-art facility on the waterfront that supports faculty in high-level research projects concerning water, atmospheric science, and conservation.
- Learn hands-on in our H-STEM Engineering and Health Technologies Complex, a new $53 million facility full of leading-edge technology and equipment—including Anatomage Tables (think life-sized human cadaver meets iPad) in human anatomy labs.
Tomorrow Needs Talented Ecologists and Evolutionary Biologists
There is a great amount of industry demand for individuals with a strong, quantitative education in the biological sciences—especially those with high-level laboratory investigation and field research experience. A Bachelor of Science 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.
Be Career Ready
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 7% growth in jobs for environmental scientists from 2023 to 2033. 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.
One example of the great jobs waiting after graduation is Environmental Science and Protection Technician, ranked No. 8 in Best Science Jobs according to U.S. News & World Report in April 2025. Additional career opportunities include:
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Ecoinformatics Specialist
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Ecologist
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Ecotoxicologist
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Environmental Consultant
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Environmental Educator
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Environmental Lawyer
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Evolutionary Biologist
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Industrial Ecologist
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Naturalist
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Policy Analyst
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Professor
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Program Manager
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Research Assistant
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Research Scientist
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Scientific Writer
- Teacher
Michigan Tech Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Majors Get Hired
The growing list of companies that have hired Michigan Tech ecology and evolutionary biology graduates includes:
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Clinton River Watershed Council
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Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science
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Tetra Tech Solid Waste
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Army Corps of Engineers
"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."