Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework, laboratory- and field-based methods training, and an independent research thesis. Students study the processes that generate and maintain biodiversity, from genes to communities, with an emphasis on integrating empirical data and quantitative analysis.

• Core topics: population genetics, phylogenetics and systematics, community and population ecology, evolutionary theory, and quantitative methods for ecology and evolution.
• Research methods: field sampling techniques, experimental design, ecological survey methods, molecular and genomic laboratory techniques, and high-throughput sequencing basics where relevant.
• Quantitative and computational training: statistical ecology, ecological modelling, spatial analysis/GIS, bioinformatics, and programming for data analysis (R, Python).
• Seminars and professional skills: journal clubs, research seminars, scientific communication, grant writing, and opportunities for teaching experience or outreach.
• Thesis research: students carry out an original research project under faculty supervision, culminating in a written thesis and oral defence or public presentation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, environmental science, or a closely related discipline. Competitive applicants typically demonstrate strong preparation in organismal biology, ecology, genetics, and mathematics or statistics.

• Academic transcripts showing a relevant undergraduate degree.
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests and how they align with faculty expertise.
• Two or three academic letters of recommendation from instructors or research supervisors.
• A curriculum vitae or résumé detailing research experience, fieldwork, laboratory skills, and relevant coursework.
• International applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency as required by the university.
• Depending on background, applicants may be asked to demonstrate competency in quantitative methods or complete prerequisite coursework prior to or during early graduate study.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of careers in research, policy, conservation and industry, or continue to doctoral study. The degree provides foundational skills valued across sectors that work with biological data and living systems.

• Pursuing PhD programmes in evolution, ecology, systematics, conservation biology or related fields.
• Employment as research scientists or technicians in universities, government agencies (wildlife, environmental protection, natural resources) and non‑profit conservation organisations.
• Ecological consultancy and environmental impact assessment roles requiring field skills and quantitative analysis.
• Positions in biodiversity informatics, bioinformatics, and data science that use skills in modelling and computational analysis.
• Science communication, museum or natural history collections management, and education roles that draw on organismal and evolutionary expertise.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington offers an active research community in evolutionary biology and ecology with faculty whose interests span systematics, population biology, evolutionary genetics, and ecological dynamics. The department emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration across genetics, computational biology and environmental science, providing a broad intellectual environment for research training.

• Opportunities for hands-on fieldwork at a variety of nearby habitats across the state, supporting studies of terrestrial, freshwater and forest systems.
• Access to laboratory facilities and computing resources for genomic, molecular and quantitative analyses.
• A mentoring-focused graduate culture where students work closely with faculty advisers to design and lead independent research projects.
• Professional development through seminars, teaching opportunities and career preparation resources to support transitions into research, conservation practice or further study.