Majoring in Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity gives students a deep understanding of the diversity of life on Earth and the processes that shape it. From genes and organisms to populations, communities, and ecosystems, students explore how life evolves, adapts, and interacts with the environment while gaining hands-on experience through laboratory, field, and research opportunities. Graduates are prepared for careers in conservation, environmental science, medicine, veterinary medicine, education, research, and many other fields.
Why Study Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity?
- A broad foundation in the biological sciences
Develop a comprehensive understanding of evolution, ecology, biodiversity, genetics, physiology, and the processes that unite all living organisms. - Field, laboratory, and research experiences
Gain practical experience through field courses, laboratory classes, marine biology at Bodega Marine Laboratory, independent research, and faculty-mentored projects. - Flexible pathways to match your interests
Customize your coursework to explore topics such as animal behavior, marine biology, microbial genetics, computational biology, conservation, and many other areas of evolutionary and ecological research. - Preparation for diverse careers
Build the scientific knowledge and analytical skills needed for careers in conservation and restoration biology, environmental science, medicine, veterinary medicine, education, research, and other life science professions. - A strong foundation for graduate and professional school
Unlike many wildlife and environmental biology majors, the EEB major is designed to prepare students for graduate study as well as admission to medical and veterinary schools. - Learn from leaders in the field
Study with internationally recognized faculty conducting research that advances our understanding of evolution, biodiversity, and the natural world.
What You'll Learn
As an Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity major, you will learn to:
- Describe the molecular and structural unity of life, explain how the diversity of living things is generated and perpetuated, and exemplify this diversity among and within life’s three domains
- Demonstrate the fundamental processes underlying evolution, natural selection, speciation and extinction, population growth and regulation, species coexistence, and patterns of biodiversity.
- Demonstrate the ability to make observations, ask questions, formulate hypotheses, then design experiments and data collection to test predictions of these hypotheses.
- Apply quantitative approaches to analyze and interpret data, and to model evolutionary and ecological processes
- Demonstrate scientific literacy in the ability to discuss, synthesize, and critically evaluate the scientific literature; critically evaluate the validity of claims in popular media
- Demonstrate skill in communication of evolutionary and ecological concepts, data, and interpretation using multiple formats appropriate for target audiences, including non-scientists.
- Integrate fundamental principles of evolution and ecology to study and solve problems of interest to human societies, including predicting and mitigating the consequences of human activities.
Where Can an EEB Degree Take You?
The Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity major prepares students for a wide range of careers and graduate programs. Whether you're interested in protecting ecosystems, improving human and animal health, communicating science, or expanding our understanding of the natural world, EEB provides the scientific foundation and hands-on experience to pursue your goals.
Graduates pursue careers in areas such as:
- Conservation and Environmental Science – Wildlife biology, environmental consulting, biodiversity monitoring, park management, restoration ecology, and natural resource management.
- Health and Veterinary Sciences – Medicine, veterinary medicine, public health, and related professional programs.
- Research and Graduate Study – Graduate programs in evolution, ecology, genetics, conservation biology, environmental science, and other life science disciplines.
- Education and Science Communication – Teaching, environmental education, scientific illustration, journalism, filmmaking, and public outreach.
- Agriculture and Sustainability – Sustainable agriculture, plant and animal genetics, horticulture, and ecosystem management.
- Public Policy and Planning – Environmental law, urban and regional planning, public service, and advocacy.