Colorado State University

What you'll study

This programme provides a foundation in evolutionary biology, organismal diversity and ecological processes, emphasising both conceptual understanding and practical skills. Early coursework typically covers general biology, genetics, cell biology and introductory ecology. Core and upper-division modules you can expect include:

• Evolutionary Biology: mechanisms of evolution, phylogenetics, speciation and macroevolutionary patterns.
• Population and Community Ecology: population dynamics, metapopulation theory, species interactions and community assembly.
• Systematics and Taxonomy: morphological and molecular approaches to classification, species delimitation and biodiversity assessment.
• Field Methods and Natural History: survey techniques, sampling design, mark–recapture, long-term monitoring and natural history of regional biota.
• Molecular and Quantitative Methods: molecular ecology, population genetics, biostatistics, ecological modelling and GIS/spatial analysis.
• Conservation and Applied Ecology: conservation biology, restoration ecology, landscape ecology and human–wildlife interactions.

Students combine classroom instruction with laboratory practice and extensive fieldwork, often using local ecosystems around Fort Collins and CSU's Mountain Campus. Upper-level students complete capstone experiences such as senior theses, independent research projects or internships with research groups and conservation organisations.

Entry requirements

Admission to Colorado State University is competitive and normally requires completion of secondary education with a strong science and mathematics background. Typical preparation for this programme includes high-school biology and chemistry, algebra or precalculus, and experience with quantitative coursework. For applicants to the major, common expectations include successful completion of introductory college-level biology and chemistry courses or placement into them.

International applicants should present an approved secondary-school credential (for example, A-levels, IB diploma or equivalent) with strong performance in relevant science subjects and meet the university's English language proficiency requirements. Prospective students transferring from other institutions usually need a set number of lower-division science prerequisites and a minimum cumulative GPA; consult CSU admissions and the Department of Biology for current course equivalency details.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme are prepared for a range of roles in environmental and biological sectors or for graduate study. Common career paths include:

• Research technician or laboratory assistant in ecology, evolutionary biology or genetics labs.
• Conservation biologist, wildlife biologist or field ecologist with government agencies, NGOs or private conservation firms.
• Environmental consultant conducting ecological assessments, impact analysis and restoration planning.
• Park ranger, resource manager or naturalist working for municipal, state or federal land-management organisations.
• Data analyst or ecological modeller applying quantitative skills to biodiversity, climate and land-use datasets.
• Graduate study leading to specialised roles in academia, research institutes or advanced conservation science.

Hands-on field experience, internships, and undergraduate research at CSU enhance employability by building practical techniques, data-analysis abilities and professional networks with agencies and research centres.

Why study at Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers strong advantages for students of ecology and evolution: proximity to a wide range of ecosystems — shortgrass prairie, montane forests and alpine environments — provides exceptional opportunities for field-based learning. CSU hosts established research units and facilities that support undergraduate involvement, including active ecology and conservation research groups and field stations.

The programme emphasises experiential learning through laboratory work, field courses at the Mountain Campus and opportunities to participate in faculty-led research. Students benefit from access to GIS and computational resources, well-equipped molecular and ecology labs, and a network of partnerships with state and federal agencies, conservation NGOs and regional land managers. These features make CSU a good choice for students seeking rigorous training in evolutionary and ecological science combined with practical, career-relevant experience.