Brigham Young University

What you'll study

The programme provides a broad foundation in organismal biology and integrates ecological theory, evolutionary mechanisms, systematics and population biology. Core coursework typically includes evolutionary biology, population genetics, ecology, animal behaviour, comparative anatomy, phylogenetics and biostatistics. Students also take supporting courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry or biochemistry, calculus and molecular biology to develop laboratory and analytical skills.

Practical training is emphasised through laboratory courses, field-based classes and independent research projects. Modules and learning experiences commonly encountered include:

• Evolutionary Theory and Methods — mechanisms of evolution, speciation, adaptation and methods for testing evolutionary hypotheses.
• Population Biology and Dynamics — demography, population models, life history and conservation population management.
• Ecology — community and ecosystem ecology, trophic interactions and landscape ecology with applied field studies.
• Systematics and Phylogenetics — taxonomy, morphological and molecular systematics and constructing phylogenetic trees.
• Quantitative and Laboratory Skills — statistical analysis, experimental design, molecular techniques and bioinformatics.
• Field Methods — sampling techniques, species surveys, long-term monitoring and natural history observation.

The degree is structured to allow elective specialisation and encourages completion of an honours-style capstone or undergraduate research thesis under faculty supervision. Internships with museums, government agencies or conservation organisations are common complements to coursework.

Entry requirements

Entry to the programme normally requires a high school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record and preparation in science and mathematics. Typical preparation includes biology, chemistry and mathematics courses at secondary level. Applicants from outside the US should present equivalent qualifications from their country.

Beyond formal academic credentials, successful applicants are often those who demonstrate practical interest in biological fieldwork or research through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or summer programmes. International students must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements. Transfer applicants should have completed foundational college-level coursework in biology, chemistry and calculus or statistics.

Career prospects

Graduates with this degree enter a variety of career paths. Common destinations include:

• Research and graduate study — many graduates continue to MSc or PhD programmes in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology or related fields.
• Conservation and natural resource management — roles with government agencies, non-governmental organisations and land management bodies working on species recovery, habitat restoration and environmental assessment.
• Environmental consultancy and impact assessment — field surveys, population monitoring and advising on biodiversity impacts for development projects.
• Museum and collection management — curatorial, collections-based research and outreach at natural history museums and herbaria.
• Education and science communication — teaching at secondary level, environmental education and public engagement roles.
• Biotechnology and applied biology — positions in labs that use evolutionary and genetic approaches for applications in agriculture, medicine and industry.

Skills developed in the programme—scientific reasoning, quantitative analysis, field methods and communication—are valued across research, policy and applied sectors.

Why study at Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University offers a supportive undergraduate environment with notable strengths in hands-on research and natural history collections. The College of Life Sciences provides opportunities for close mentorship by faculty researchers and access to facilities such as organismal and molecular laboratories and museum collections that support systematics and evolutionary study.

BYU's location near diverse ecosystems in Utah gives students easy access to field sites for desert, mountain and freshwater studies, enabling practical experience in a variety of habitats. The university emphasises undergraduate research, often allowing students to co-author publications or present at scientific meetings, and maintains partnerships with local and regional conservation organisations for internships and applied projects.

Small to moderate class sizes, a curriculum that balances theory and practice, and a culture that encourages applied fieldwork and independent research make BYU a strong choice for students aiming to pursue careers or further study in evolution, ecology and population biology.