Master's Degree in Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
This master's degree teaches advanced concepts in ecology, evolution, systematics, and population biology, preparing students for research, conservation, and environmental careers in the US.
About
This master's degree focuses on the study of living organisms, their evolution, classification, and population dynamics. It is designed for students who have completed a bachelor's degree in biology or related fields and want to deepen their understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes. The program prepares students for careers in scientific research, environmental management, conservation, and education.
- The degree typically lasts between one and two years and leads to a master's level qualification.
- It is aimed at students interested in understanding how species evolve and interact within ecosystems.
- Graduates can work in research institutes, environmental agencies, or pursue doctoral studies.
- The program develops skills in data analysis, fieldwork, and scientific communication.
- It provides a foundation for roles in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management.
What you study
The curriculum combines theoretical courses with practical work to build a comprehensive understanding of ecology and evolution. Students progress from foundational topics to specialized subjects over the course of the program.
- Early courses cover ecological principles, evolutionary biology, and systematics.
- Advanced modules address population biology, genetics, and statistical methods used in ecological research.
- Students engage in fieldwork to observe natural populations and ecosystems firsthand.
- Laboratory sessions teach techniques for analyzing biological samples and genetic data.
- The program often includes a research project or thesis, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real scientific questions.
- Practical experience is emphasized to prepare students for professional environments.
How to get in
Admission to this master's program in the US requires a relevant bachelor's degree and follows a competitive selection process. Applicants must demonstrate academic ability and motivation for advanced study in ecology and related fields.
- Applicants typically hold a bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, or a related discipline.
- They must submit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose explaining their interest.
- Some programs may require GRE scores or proof of English proficiency for international students.
- Experience in research or fieldwork can strengthen an application.
- Admissions committees look for candidates with strong analytical skills and a commitment to environmental issues.
Day to day
The academic year combines lectures, practical sessions, and independent research. Students balance coursework with hands-on activities and project work throughout the program.
- Regular seminars and lectures provide theoretical knowledge and current scientific insights.
- Students spend time on field trips to study ecosystems and collect data.
- Laboratory work involves analyzing samples and using software for data interpretation.
- A significant part of the year is dedicated to a research thesis under faculty supervision.
- Internships or collaborations with environmental organizations may be available but are not always mandatory.
Careers this degree leads to
Graduates can find employment in various sectors related to ecology, conservation, and environmental science. The degree supports entry into research roles and applied environmental work.
- Possible careers include ecologist, conservation biologist, and environmental consultant.
- Jobs are available in government agencies, non-profits, universities, and private companies.
- The degree also prepares students for roles in environmental impact assessment and natural resource management.
- Employment often involves fieldwork, data analysis, and report writing.
- Insertion into the job market is generally facilitated by the program's practical training and research experience.
Careers after further study
These careers require a higher level of study than this degree.
Continuing your studies
After completing this master's degree, students may choose to continue their studies or shift to related fields. The program offers a solid base for further academic or professional development.
- Many graduates pursue a PhD in ecology, evolutionary biology, or related disciplines.
- Others may enter specialized training in environmental policy or management.
- Some choose to transition into teaching or science communication roles.
Where to study this degree (200)
Liste des 200 établissements
- Bryan CollegeDayton
- University of OklahomaNorman
- California State University, NorthridgeNorthridge
- Buffalo State UniversityBuffalo
- Wright State UniversityDayton
- The University of Texas at AustinAustin
- University of Colorado BoulderBoulder
- Oakland City UniversityOakland City
- Georgetown CollegeGeorgetown
- Saint Leo UniversitySaint Leo
- SUNY BrockportBrockport
- Viterbo UniversityLa Crosse
- Siena CollegeLoudonville
- University of GeorgiaAthens
- Murray State UniversityMurray
- California State University, FullertonFullerton
- Portland Community CollegePortland
- Dominican University of CaliforniaSan Rafael
- Nazareth CollegeRochester
- Shawnee State UniversityPortsmouth
- California State University, San MarcosSan Marcos
- Alaska Pacific UniversityAnchorage
- Russell Sage CollegeTroy
- University of Massachusetts BostonBoston
- Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla
- Brunswick Community CollegeBolivia
- California State University, ChicoChico
- Coker CollegeHartsville
- San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco
- University of Central FloridaOrlando
- Washington CollegeChestertown
- University of San DiegoSan Diego
- Houghton UniversityHoughton
- Boston UniversityBoston
- Columbia UniversityNew York
- Emory UniversityAtlanta
- University of MiamiCoral Gables
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHouston
- University of California-Santa CruzSanta Cruz
- Coastal Carolina UniversityConway
- Brigham Young UniversityProvo
- Harvard UniversityCambridge
- University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla
- Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station
- Tufts UniversityMedford
- Iowa State UniversityAmes
- University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park
- Yale UniversityNew Haven
- Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore
- SUNY College of Environmental Science and ForestrySyracuse
- University of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmington
- University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle
- Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins
- Eckerd CollegeSaint Petersburg
- University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor
- Unity CollegeNew Gloucester
- George Washington UniversityWashington
- University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara
- Stony Brook UniversityStony Brook
- Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia
- University of Wisconsin–MadisonMadison
- University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew York
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver
- University of TampaTampa
- University of Hawaiʻi at MānoaHonolulu
- Utah State UniversityLogan
- University of North TexasDenton
- University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis
- Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPittsburgh
- University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia
- University of Hawaii at HiloHilo
- University of Rhode IslandKingston
- Benedictine UniversityLisle
- University of California-DavisDavis
- Colorado CollegeColorado Springs
- University of ConnecticutStorrs
- New York UniversityNew York
- Nova Southeastern UniversityFort Lauderdale
- University of West FloridaPensacola
- California State University, Long BeachLong Beach
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill
- Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus
- Princeton UniversityPrinceton
- Tulane UniversityNew Orleans
- University of New EnglandBiddeford
- Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing
- Stockton UniversityGalloway
- Saint Louis UniversitySt Louis
- University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia
- College of CharlestonCharleston
- University of OregonEugene
- University of West AlabamaLivingston
- Hawaii Pacific UniversityHonolulu
- University of South FloridaTampa
- Temple UniversityPhiladelphia
- Stanford UniversityStanford
- Florida Southern CollegeLakeland
- East Stroudsburg UniversityEast Stroudsburg
- Ohio University LancasterAthens
- University of IowaIowa City
- Central Michigan UniversityMount Pleasant
- University of KansasLawrence
- Northeastern UniversityBoston
- The University of Texas at El PasoEl Paso
- Connecticut CollegeNew London
- Florida International UniversityMiami
- Roger Williams UniversityBristol
- California State Polytechnic UniversityPomona
- Texas State UniversitySan Marcos
- University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg
- University of DelawareNewark
- Savannah State UniversitySavannah
- University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst
- University of ArizonaTucson
- St. Cloud State UniversitySaint Cloud
- Washington University in St LouisSaint Louis
- University of DaytonDayton
- University of Alaska AnchorageAnchorage
- The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg
- University of California-IrvineIrvine
- Bethel UniversityMcKenzie
- The University of Texas Medical Branch at GalvestonGalveston
- Western Washington UniversityBellingham
- Monmouth UniversityWest Long Branch
- William & MaryWilliamsburg
- Purdue University West LafayetteWest Lafayette
- Jacksonville UniversityJacksonville
- University of ToledoToledo
- University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUrbana
- University of Puerto Rico-HumacaoHumacao
- University of Maryland, BaltimoreBaltimore
- Indiana University BloomingtonBloomington
- University of LouisvilleLouisville
- University of IdahoMoscow
- Central Washington UniversityEllensburg
- Cornell UniversityIthaca
- Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick
- Kent State University at KentKent
- University of Wisconsin–StoutMenomonie
- Inter American University of Puerto Rico-BayamonBayamon
- University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia
- University of New HavenWest Haven
- University of FloridaGainesville
- University of North Texas Health Science CenterFort Worth
- Loyola University ChicagoChicago
- University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles
- Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead
- Florida Institute of TechnologyMelbourne
- North Dakota State UniversityFargo
- Medical University of South CarolinaCharleston
- University of Nevada, RenoReno
- Susquehanna UniversitySelinsgrove
- Vanderbilt UniversityNashville
- Wingate UniversityWingate
- Northwest Missouri State UniversityMaryville
- Loma Linda UniversityLoma Linda
- Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff
- University of ProvidenceGreat Falls
- Hood CollegeFrederick
- Ferris State UniversityBig Rapids
- Southern Maine Community CollegeSouth Portland
- Duke UniversityDurham
- Towson UniversityTowson
- University of AlabamaTuscaloosa
- Mitchell CollegeNew London
- Friends UniversityWichita
- University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley
- Augusta UniversityAugusta
- Le Moyne CollegeSyracuse
- Montclair State UniversityMontclair
- St. Lawrence UniversityCanton
- University of Puerto Rico-MayaguezMayaguez
- University of DenverDenver
- Auburn UniversityAuburn
- The University of MontanaMissoula
- Liberty UniversityLynchburg
- Warren Wilson CollegeSwannanoa
- Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green
- Seattle UniversitySeattle
- Georgetown UniversityWashington
- Claremont Graduate UniversityClaremont
- Grove City CollegeGrove City
- Bemidji State UniversityBemidji
- West Virginia UniversityMorgantown
- Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland
- University at BuffaloBuffalo
- Rollins CollegeWinter Park
- University at AlbanyAlbany
- Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park
- Texas A&M University – Corpus ChristiCorpus Christi
- Whitman CollegeWalla Walla
- University of CincinnatiCincinnati
- Maine Maritime AcademyCastine
- Providence CollegeProvidence
- Lake Superior State UniversitySault Ste Marie
- Michigan Technological UniversityHoughton
- San Diego State UniversitySan Diego
- University of RochesterRochester
Frequently asked questions
What background do I need to apply for this master's degree?
You generally need a bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, or a related field. Having some research or field experience can also help your application.
How long does the program usually take?
The program typically lasts between one and two years, depending on the university and whether you study full-time or part-time.
Are there opportunities for practical experience during the degree?
Yes, the program includes fieldwork and laboratory sessions. Many students also complete a research project or thesis to gain hands-on experience.
Can I work while studying this master's degree?
While some students may work part-time, the program is intensive and requires significant time for classes, research, and fieldwork.
Is this degree recognized internationally?
Yes, a master's degree from a US university in this field is generally recognized internationally, especially for research and academic careers.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?
Graduates often work as ecologists, conservation biologists, environmental consultants, or continue with doctoral studies in related areas.
Do I need to take standardized tests to apply?
Some programs may require GRE scores or proof of English proficiency, especially for international students, but requirements vary by university.
Is it possible to continue studying after this master's degree?
Yes, many graduates pursue PhD programs or specialized master's degrees in environmental policy, management, or science communication.




























