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Evolutionary Biology

Overview

Evolutionary biology is the study of patterns and processes of evolution.

Evolutionary biology programs include topics such as:

Schools

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in evolutionary 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.

Few colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in evolutionary biology. Some schools combine ecology and evolutionary biology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Many universities offer graduate degrees in evolutionary 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

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

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:

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree in evolutionary biology or a related science, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

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 evolutionary biology.

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate programs may include:

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:

Things to Know

Take every opportunity to get hands-on experience doing fieldwork. Some programs may require an internship.

Many jobs in this field require you to write technical reports and give presentations. Taking writing and speaking courses will develop your communication skills.

A bachelor's degree can prepare you for an entry-level position in environmental consulting, government agencies, or as a research assistant.

Some evolutionary biologists spend a large part of their time conducting field research.

Schools

East Side Area

Central Washington University

Washington State University - Pullman

King-Snohomish Area

Everett Community College

University of Washington - Seattle

Tacoma Area

Tacoma Community College

West Side Area

Western Washington University