University of Colorado Boulder

What you'll study

This programme combines foundational courses in evolution and ecology with training in systematics, population biology and quantitative methods. Early years emphasise core biological concepts such as organismal diversity, genetics, cell biology and ecology. Progressing through the degree, students study evolutionary theory, population genetics, phylogenetics, community and ecosystem ecology, and conservation biology.

Practical work is integral: laboratory courses teach microscopy, molecular methods and experimental design, while field classes provide experience in sampling techniques, species identification, and habitat assessment. Quantitative and computational training covers biostatistics, ecological modelling and bioinformatics to prepare students to analyse complex ecological and evolutionary data.

• Core topics: Evolutionary theory, population genetics, systematics and taxonomy, community and ecosystem ecology, behavioural ecology, conservation biology.
• Quantitative skills: Biostatistics, ecological modelling, R and other data-analysis tools, experimental design.
• Practical and field components: Field ecology, organismal lab courses, specimen-based systematics, and opportunities for extended field research.
• Electives and specialisms: Paleobiology, phylogeography, molecular ecology, restoration ecology, disease ecology and functional ecology.
• Capstone/Research: Many students complete an independent research project or honours thesis with a faculty mentor, often including original field or laboratory data collection.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a secondary-school diploma with strong preparation in science and mathematics. Typical preparation includes advanced-level coursework in biology and mathematics; chemistry and physics are also recommended. Admissions consider academic performance, relevant extracurricular experience (such as fieldwork, laboratory work or conservation volunteering) and personal statements.

Transfer applicants are usually expected to have completed college-level introductory courses in biology and calculus. The programme supports incoming students with advising to help place them into appropriate courses and to map out prerequisites for advanced study.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of careers across natural sciences, policy and applied sectors. Common paths include:

• Research and academia — proceeding to graduate study (MSc, PhD) in ecology, evolution, conservation genetics or related fields.
• Environmental consulting and natural resource management — roles in environmental impact assessment, habitat restoration and biodiversity monitoring.
• Conservation and NGOs — species and habitat conservation, protected-area management, community conservation programmes.
• Government and public agencies — work with agencies responsible for wildlife, fisheries, parks and environmental regulation.
• Biotechnology and industry — roles using molecular and computational skills, such as biodiversity informatics, genetic monitoring and ecological data analysis.
• Education and outreach — secondary teaching, museum and science-communication roles, and public engagement positions.

Why study at University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder offers a strong environment for evolutionary and ecological study, with access to diverse mountain, alpine and prairie ecosystems right from campus. The university hosts active research centres and collections—such as field stations and the Museum of Natural History—that support undergraduate research and specimen-based study.

Students benefit from faculty engaged in long-term ecological and evolutionary research, plentiful opportunities for supervised undergraduate research, and practical field experience at nearby sites. There are also extensive opportunities for internships with regional agencies, non-government organisations and research institutes, and for interdisciplinary study with programmes in environmental science, geography and computer science to broaden career options.