Graduate Degrees in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

The ecology and evolutionary biology (EBIO) graduate program provides advanced training in a wide variety of biological disciplines ranging from biogeochemistry to community ecology to evolutionary genetics. The goal of the EBIO graduate program is to produce scientists, educators and citizens who are equipped with skills to build careers that advance knowledge about life on Earth.

Our department offers programs leading to the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in a wide variety of biological disciplines. Graduates of the EBIO program are well positioned to pursue a range of careers that include academia, science education, wildlife biology, conservation biology, resource management, environmental consulting and environmental law.

Degree Types

MA ᐧ PhD

Graduate student support is available in the form of fellowships, part-time instructorships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships and research grants.

Modern laboratory facilities for graduate study are located in the Ramaley Biology building.

The department has strong ties with the CU Museum of Natural History, the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR), the Institute for Behavioral Genetics (IBG), the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), the Environmental Studies Program (ENVS) and the departments of Integrative Physiology; Geology; Geography; Anthropology; and Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Master of Arts

30 credit hours
Thesis and nonthesis options
A completed domestic application includes a statement of intent, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts and scores on the GRE General Test.
Applicants are encouraged to communicate with potential faculty sponsors well before the application deadline.
Applications for spring semester admission are not accepted.
Students are required to have a bachelor's degree in biology or an equivalent.
Students may earn this degree as part of the Bachelor’s–Accelerated Master’s (BAM) degree program, which allows currently enrolled CU Boulder undergraduate students to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in a shorter period of time.

Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

For program details, review the course catalog for the MA in ecology and evolutionary biology.

Doctor of Philosophy

30 credit hours of coursework
30 credit hours of dissertation
5-year course of study
A completed domestic application includes a statement of intent, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts and scores on the GRE General Test.
PhD students are required to teach at least 2 semesters, typically as a teaching assistant for one of the many laboratory courses offered by the department.
Students are expected to form a dissertation committee of 5 faculty members (including 1 from outside EBIO) after beginning their studies.

Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

For program details, review the course catalog for the PhD in ecology and evolutionary biology.

Research Areas

Ecology
Evolutionary Biology
Genetics
Systematics
Biology Education Research

Learn More About Research Areas at CU Boulder

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.

Graduate Student Organizations