Biology: Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation

Major

Choosing an ecology, evolution and conservation biology major

Life is everywhere, and it doesn't exist on its own. Animals, plants and microorganisms live side-by-side. Together, they form complex ecosystems that not only coexist, but depend on each other for survival.

When you become an ecology, evolution, and conservation biology major, you'll learn about the individual systems that sustain life in animals, plants and microorganisms from experts in the field.

You'll have the opportunity to take the knowledge you learn in the classroom and lab and bring it into the field. You'll learn to collect samples, manage wildlife and even gauge the impact of climate change on sensitive landscapes. As an ecology, evolution and conservation biology major, your hands-on experience may include work at our biological station on Beaver Island, where you'll find cedar swamps, sand dunes, beaver ponds and abundant plant and animal life. We even have our own research vessel, the MV Chippewa, a 38-foot ship that may support your work.

Your hands-on experience in the field will prepare you for graduate school or a career in the sciences.

An Accelerated MS in Biology is available for CMU undergraduates.

Opportunities for ecology, evolution and conservation biology majors

As an ecology, evolution and conservation biology major, you will:

• Share your findings on campus and beyond: Through BIO403, Undergraduate Research, you'll have the opportunity to share your undergraduate research finding with others - possibly even in the halls of Congress.
• Take your work south: Our affiliation with the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory means you can participate in a summer field school there at CMU tuition rates.