Rollins College

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary major combines principles of evolution, systematics and population biology with practical training in ecology and quantitative methods. Core topics typically include evolutionary theory, population genetics, organismal diversity and systematics, ecological principles, community and ecosystem ecology, and conservation biology. Students develop laboratory and field skills through courses in field methods, molecular techniques, ecological statistics, and GIS.

The programme structure emphasises experiential learning: classroom lectures are complemented by regular lab sections and supervised fieldwork in nearby freshwater, wetland and coastal systems. Students choose from electives that might cover behavioural ecology, phylogenetics, microbial ecology, restoration ecology, biostatistics and advanced molecular ecology. An independent research project or senior capstone with a faculty mentor is a key component, culminating in a written thesis or poster presentation.

• Evolutionary Biology and Population Genetics
• Systematics and Comparative Methods
• Field Ecology and Natural History
• Molecular and Laboratory Techniques for Ecology
• Quantitative Methods: Biostatistics and GIS
• Conservation Biology and Restoration Ecology
• Senior Research/Capstone Project

Entry requirements

Admission to Rollins College follows the institution's undergraduate entry process. Typical preparation for this major includes a high school diploma or equivalent with coursework in biology and chemistry and strong preparation in mathematics (algebra and statistics; calculus is advantageous). Successful applicants demonstrate academic readiness through transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation; previous laboratory or field experience and participation in science-related extracurriculars strengthen an application.

International applicants must present equivalent secondary credentials and evidence of English proficiency where required. Transfer students are evaluated on college-level coursework; prior credits in biology, chemistry, math or statistics can be applied toward the major according to departmental policy.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of careers in environmental science, conservation and research as well as for graduate study. Common career paths include:

• Field technician or research assistant in ecology, evolution or wildlife biology
• Conservation biologist or restoration ecologist with NGOs and government agencies
• Environmental consultant and natural resource manager
• GIS analyst and ecological modeller
• Molecular ecology or laboratory technician
• Science educator, outreach specialist, or museum/interpretive centre staff
• Graduate study (MSc/PhD) in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation science or related disciplines

Undergraduates frequently gain practical experience and employability through internships with regional conservation organisations, government natural resource departments and research groups, and many continue to postgraduate training for research and academic careers.

Why study at Rollins College

Rollins is a small liberal arts college that emphasises close faculty mentorship and undergraduate research, making it well suited to students who want hands-on experience and personalised advising. The campus location in central Florida provides ready access to a variety of field sites such as lakes, springs, wetlands and nearby coastal habitats, allowing field courses and independent projects to address subtropical and freshwater ecosystems.

Students benefit from small class sizes, opportunities to join faculty-led research projects, and partnerships with regional conservation organisations and natural resource agencies for internships and practicum placements. The programme’s combination of evolutionary theory, systematics and practical ecological training equips graduates to pursue professional roles in conservation, applied ecology and scientific research or to continue to advanced degrees.