What you will study
While earning your UCM Ecology and Evolutionary Biology BS, you鈥檒l study plant and
animal diversity, ecology, genetics, evolution and learn to analyze biological data.
After you build this foundation, you鈥檒l use what you learn to help address the world-wide
loss of biodiversity and its effect on evolution and ecology.
Our classes in evolution and ecology teach you to use the appropriate scientific methods
and instrumentation required for in-depth ecology studies. You鈥檒l learn the theories
and methods required to understand the complex ecological interactions challenging
wildlife and address mounting global threats to biodiversity.
Field studies and research in evolution and ecology are a major component of our curriculum.
When you graduate, you鈥檒l be well-prepared to contribute to teams that design, sample
and analyze ecological and evolutionary data.
Diverse opportunities for specialization
As an Ecology major, you鈥檒l complete core Biology BS courses and then specialize in
plant and animal biology, plant identification, genetics, experimental design and
analysis, micro- and macro-biology or wildlife diseases. You can deepen your focus
on particular areas of interest with several choices for elective ecology study, including:
- Limnology
- Mammalogy
- Ichthyology
- Ecology Field Course
- Field Techniques in Biology
Excellence in Biology
- 300-acre, on-campus nature preserve
- Best Value College for Biological & Biomedical Sciences (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in ecology and evolutionary biology
The active learning format we use at the 欧美视频 means you鈥檒l
directly apply your evolution and ecology study skills and techniques to situations
you might encounter in professional work settings.
- Internships, research and study abroad: Use classroom and lab skills in ecology study situations that are similar to real-world
ecology careers. UCM鈥檚 student exchange program with Hengshui University in China,
research designed and implemented by students in a Belize Barrier Reef study-tour
and frequent on-campus fieldwork projects at Pertle Springs Nature Preserve offer
multiple opportunities to put your Ecology degree into practice.
- Ecology senior seminar: During your senior year, you鈥檒l learn strategies used in ecology careers, including
industry-standard research skills, to complete a capstone project of your own design.
- Networking: Join UCM chapters of the American Fisheries Society (the world鈥檚 oldest, largest professional
organization to promote scientific research and sustainability for fisheries), Beta
Beta Beta National Biology Honors Society (collegiate honor society with 200,000+
nationwide members) and The Wildlife Society (international professional organization
that stewards wildlife and their habitats through scientific research and education).
These student groups and activities offer opportunities to learn, build relationships
and explore ecology career options.
- Teamwork: Gain an understanding of how to collaborate with colleagues to accomplish goals. Our
active learning model incorporates many opportunities for Ecology majors to work with
peers and faculty on long-term research projects and field studies mirroring real-world
ecology career experiences.
What can you do with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from
UCM?
Ecology careers are vitally important to the survival of our intricately connected
global ecosystem. UCM graduates work in wildlife biology research or serve as ecological
investigators on research teams studying issues that impact animal or plant populations,
like pollution and diseases. Many UCM Biology BS graduates with a concentration in
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology also continue their studies in fully funded Ph.D.
programs at research universities.
Evolution and Ecology degrees offer many exciting career choices
UCM professors have strong relationships with national and regional agencies, such
as the Department of Natural Resources, the United States Geological Survey (USGS)
and the Missouri Department of Conservation. The knowledge, skills and hands-on experience
you achieve during your ecology study at the 欧美视频 can lead
to ecology careers with:
- State and federal agencies
- Research, diagnostic or field laboratories
- Opportunities to teach evolution and ecology
- Consulting businesses
- Nonprofit organizations or corporations
Use the interactive tool below to explore potential salaries and career pathways with
an Ecology and Evolutionary Biology BS from the 欧美视频.
Financial assistance options for your Ecology and Evolutionary Biology degree
As an undergraduate student in Biology at the 欧美视频, you
may be eligible for university scholarships, awards and other resources for financing your education.
Beyond the scholarships and awards available through UCM, many scholarships are specifically
for Biology majors, including those studying evolution and ecology. You may qualify
to apply for opportunities such as these:
- Carlos Kays Biology and Earth Science Scholarship
- Charles Hinerman Memorial Scholarship
- Dr. John Beishe Biology Scholarship
- Steven H. Mills and Stephen W. Wilson Research Award
Explore more about program-specific scholarships with the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Undergraduate research project funding
Three distinct funding sources are available for Biology BS students, including those
majoring in Evolution and Ecology, who want to conduct their own faculty-approved
research projects. Funding can be used to cover supplies and travel expenses. Each
funding source has its own application and eligibility guidelines.
Pertle Springs Nature Preserve
300 acres for ecology study
UCM Ecology majors do extensive field studies in woodlands, lakes, marshes and outdoor
classroom areas. Few universities offer a comprehensive outdoor lab right on campus
鈥� and use of a high-tech drone, pontoon boat and GPS 鈥� where you can practice skills
many employers value. Team-oriented projects rely on industry-standard research techniques
focused on evolution and ecology.
Meet Carolyn E.
BS Biology - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 鈥�21
鈥淭he UCM Biology program and its professional organizations have provided me with
endless opportunities to gain knowledge, experience and connections in preparation
for a career in biology. The courses are taught by field professionals who provide
a strong support system for students to succeed both academically and professionally.鈥�
Meet Our Faculty
Professionals with research expertise
The UCM Biology faculty are widely published in scientific journals such as the British
Journal of Medicine, Freshwater Biology, Journal of Insect Conservation and others.
Their research and fieldwork experience offers UCM Ecology majors opportunities to
connect with professionals in public, private, research and government sectors for
internships, research projects and ecology careers.
Faculty Research Areas
Newly Renovated Labs and Facilities
State-of-the-art learning sites
Upgraded teaching labs, active classrooms, a lecture hall and a renovated student
workspace and lounge have been added to UCM鈥檚 already impressive facilities. Ecology
majors at UCM study in outdoor labs and classrooms at our 300-acre on-campus nature
preserve and 3,000+-sq.-ft. animal and aquatic research center. You can also join
field trips with the use of our truck, van and pontoon boat.
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