University of Michigan

What you'll study

The programme combines core concepts in evolution, ecology, systematics and population biology with practical training in laboratory and field methods. You will study the mechanisms of evolution, population genetics, phylogenetics and comparative methods, species interactions and community ecology, life-history theory, and the principles of biodiversity and conservation.

Typical course topics include:

• Evolutionary theory: natural selection, speciation, adaptive radiation and macroevolutionary patterns.
• Population biology: population dynamics, demography, metapopulation theory and applied population modelling.
• Systematics and phylogenetics: taxonomy, molecular phylogenetics, character evolution and tree-building methods.
• Ecology: behavioural ecology, community and ecosystem ecology, trophic interactions and landscape ecology.
• Quantitative methods: biostatistics, experimental design, ecological modelling, and data analysis (including experience with R and GIS).
• Laboratory and field methods: molecular techniques, specimen handling, sampling design, long-term monitoring and experimental field work.
• Conservation and applied biology: conservation genetics, restoration ecology, environmental impact assessment and policy-relevant science.

The curriculum normally includes introductory and intermediate lecture courses, associated laboratories, upper-level electives, and opportunities for independent study or an honours thesis. Field courses and multi-week field stations (including access to the University of Michigan Biological Station and regional Great Lakes research sites) are important components, giving hands-on experience in organismal biology and ecological research.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Michigan undergraduate programme is competitive and is administered through the central admissions process. Typical academic preparation for this programme includes strong performance in high-school biology and chemistry, mathematics (calculus or pre-calculus) and recommended coursework in physics and statistics. Successful applicants usually demonstrate analytical ability, laboratory or field experience, and sustained interest in biological sciences.

For transfer or internal applicants, preparation at the college level in introductory biology, chemistry and calculus/statistics is expected. Faculty or research experience, extracurricular activities related to science, and a personal statement that conveys research or conservation interests strengthen an application. Exact GPA or test requirements vary; consult the University of Michigan admissions office and the department for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a range of careers in research, conservation and applied biology. Common pathways include:

• Graduate study (MSc/PhD) in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, genomics or related fields leading to research or academic careers.
• Conservation and natural resource management roles in government agencies, non-governmental organisations and protected-area management.
• Environmental consulting, ecological restoration and biodiversity assessment.
• Biotechnology and genomics roles that use skills in molecular methods and data analysis.
• Science communication, policy advising, environmental education and outreach.
• Data science and quantitative analyst positions that draw on training in statistics, modelling and large biological datasets.

Undergraduates frequently gain practical experience through research assistantships, internships with conservation organisations, or employment at campus research facilities — experiences that improve employability and provide direct contact with professional networks.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers a research-intensive environment with breadth and depth across organismal, molecular and ecological disciplines. Students benefit from access to well-equipped laboratories, museum collections and long-term field sites such as the University of Michigan Biological Station, which support hands-on research and field learning.

Interdisciplinary opportunities span the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, the School for Environment and Sustainability, and campus centres for computational biology and genomics. Active faculty research programmes, numerous undergraduate research placements, and a broad alumni network provide mentoring and pathways into graduate study and professional careers.