Environmental Biology
Overview
Environmental biology is the study of relationships among populations, communities, species, and their surroundings.Environmental biology programs include topics such as:
- Biodiversity
- Molecular genetic and genomic evolution
- Conservation biology
- Restoration ecology
- Environmental impact statements
- Local and global environmental change
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in environmental biology. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in environmental biology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Several universities offer graduate degrees in environmental biology. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Botany
- Conservation Biology
- Ecology
- Entomology
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Studies
- Evolutionary Biology
- Fisheries Sciences and Management
- Forestry
- Marine Biology
- Natural Resources Conservation
- Natural Resources Policy and Management
- Plant Physiology
- Toxicology
- Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management
- Wildlife Biology
- Wildlife Sciences and Management
- Zoology and Animal Biology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
- Agricultural Inspectors
- Biologists
- Environmental Scientists
- Mathematicians
- Natural Sciences Managers
- Statisticians
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Natural Resources Management
- Physical Science
- Pre-Calculus
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree in environmental biology or a related science, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Biology
- Statement of research interest and personal goals
- Letters of recommendation
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Biochemistry
- Biological Diversity
- Biostatistics
- Calculus
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Ecology and the Environment
- Evolutionary Biology
- Fundamentals of Biology
- General Chemistry
- Genetics and Evolution
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Microbiology
- Organic Chemistry
- Physics
- Plant Physiology
- Plant Taxonomy
- Vertebrate Zoology
No matter where you go to school, you're likely to take a set of "core" courses similar to the list above. Once you've completed those courses, you can take advanced courses in environmental biology.
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate programs may include:
- Advanced Topics in Environmental Physiology and Ecology
- Advanced Zoology
- Environmental Law
Graduate students usually focus on one area of interest. Typical courses vary by specialty. All require original research. A list of common graduate requirements is below:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Take every opportunity to get hands-on experience doing environmental fieldwork. Get a summer or part-time job at a park or nature center, or attend a summer field camp.
Many jobs in this field require you to write technical reports and give presentations. Taking writing and speaking courses will develop your communication skills.
With a bachelor's degree, you can work in some entry-level positions for government agencies or environmental consulting firms.
Graduate students may be able to specialize in aquatic ecology, ecotoxicology, or terrestrial ecology
Some environmental biologists spend a large part of their time conducting field research.
Schools
East Side Area
Central Washington University
- Environmental Sciences--Environmental Biology
Tri-Cities Area
Washington State University - Tri-Cities
- Environmental & Ecosystem Sciences
Vancouver Area
Washington State University - Vancouver
- Biology & Plant Biology
West Side Area
Evergreen State College, The
- Ecology
- Field Studies
- Marine Science