Biological Sciences

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Bachelor's Degree

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.

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.

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  • No. 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
  • No. 1
    Best Value College in Michigan (Niche, 2024)

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:

  • 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 Get Hired

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

"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

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

Study Biological Sciences at a Technological University

At Michigan Tech, you’ll build research skills and foundational knowledge required to succeed in graduate school, research, or industry. 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 investigate, explore and experiment in the lab and present results in classrooms, research symposia, and scientific journals.

 

College of Sciences and Arts

The College of Sciences and Arts is a community of faculty, staff, and students committed to excellence and driven by our passion for education, outreach, research, and creativity across the social and natural sciences, humanities, and the arts. Uniquely situated in the heart of Michigan's R1 flagship technological university, we specialize in human-centered potential and discovery-based learning designed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. Knowing that every student at Michigan Tech will pass through our doors, our college strives to be at the forefront of interdisciplinary collaborations that lead to breakthrough solutions.

Our students gain a profound understanding of social and cultural contexts through experiential learning and innovative research. We welcome you to be part of our caring, expansive college community, with 32 undergraduate and 24 graduate degrees to choose from.

The opportunities in Michigan Tech's College of Sciences and Arts are limitless. Transform into a civic leader ready to contribute to a sustainable future. Lead and participate in action-based experiences that are critical to the start of a fulfilling career. Job-shadow at a local hospital or veterinary clinic while preparing for a career in health. Design sound and lighting for a regional production. Conduct community forums on the implications of artificial intelligence. Work to purify vaccines. Study the impact of social media on society. Research the mysteries of space and galaxies beyond our universe. Explore transforming abandoned iron and copper mines into giant batteries. Understand freshwater ecosystem health. Document the nature of changes in cognitive function and motor behavior in aging and dementia.

At Michigan Tech, your academic growth is supported by a variety of learning centers, along with our Humanities Digital Media Zone and Writing Center. Model climate in the only cloud chamber of its kind. Take part in interdisciplinary health research in our state-of-the-art H-STEM Complex. Create amazing sights and sounds in our visual art, sound, and theatre performance spaces. 

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your analytical 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.

Undergraduate Majors in Biology

Not sure which major is the right fit? No problem. Browse the entire list of College of Sciences and Arts majors. Or, give yourself time and declare the General Sciences and Arts major, which lets you decide when you arrive on campus. To learn more, speak to an academic advisor.

Student Learning Goals

When you complete our Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology degree program, 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.

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!

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Tessa Tormoen
Tessa Tormoen '23
BS Ecology and Evolutionary Biology