Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (B.A. or B.S.)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Yale University

Program Overview

Yale’s Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (B.A. or B.S.) gives students a broad understanding of how living organisms interact with each other and their environment, from individual organisms and populations to ecosystems and evolution. It is a great choice for students interested in ecology, environmental science, biological research, or future careers in medicine, dentistry, or veterinary science.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and statistics. Courses such as BIOL 1010 Introduction to Biochemistry, BIOL 1020 Principles of Cell Biology & Membrane Physiology, BIOL 1030 Basic Genetics & Developmental Biology, and BIOL 1040 Principles of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology introduce the key concepts needed for further study.

Year 2: Students move into more specialized areas of ecology and evolution. Courses such as EEB 2220 General Ecology and EEB 2225 Evolutionary Biology help students understand ecosystems, populations, communities, genetics, evolution, and the relationships between organisms and their environments.

Year 3: Students develop deeper knowledge through courses linked to their chosen concentration. The Biodiversity and the Environment pathway focuses on ecology, evolution, and organismal diversity, while the Organismal Biology pathway includes courses such as EEB 2290 Comparative Anatomy, EEB 2295 Comparative Physiology, and EEB 2291L Comparative Anatomy Lab.

Year 4: The final year focuses on advanced study, independent research, and preparation for future careers or postgraduate education. B.S. students complete two terms of original research through EEB 4475/4476 or EEB 4495/4496, while B.A. students complete a senior tutorial or senior essay.

Focus Areas

Ecology, evolutionary biology, biodiversity, environmental science, organismal biology, comparative anatomy, physiology, population genetics, conservation biology, ecosystem science, field biology, biological research

Learning Outcomes

Students develop a strong understanding of biological systems and evolutionary processes, learn to investigate ecological and biological questions using laboratory and field methods, build analytical and research skills, and gain experience interpreting and communicating scientific information.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program prepares students for careers and further study in ecology, evolutionary biology, environmental science, biological research, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and related life-science fields. Students also have opportunities to gain practical experience through laboratory and field research.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Yale does not publish a separate employability ranking for the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program. For Yale College overall, 95.3% of the Class of 2025 was employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation, with a mean starting salary of $94,028 among graduates employed full-time in the United States.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Yale’s Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program gives students plenty of opportunities to gain practical experience through laboratory research, fieldwork, and independent projects. Students can work with faculty researchers and use Yale’s biological collections, natural environments, research facilities, and scientific equipment to explore real-world questions in ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology, biodiversity, and environmental science.

Students can build hands-on experience through:

Independent research: Students can work with faculty research groups in areas including ecology, evolution, genetics, molecular biology, physiology, and environmental science.
Senior research: B.S. students complete two terms of original research through EEB 4475/4476 or EEB 4495/4496, giving them substantial experience in planning and conducting biological research.
Field research: Students can conduct research and learning activities at Yale Natural Lands, including Guilford coastal field station, Linsley Pond, and Horse Island.
Yale Forests: Yale’s extensive forest resources, including the 7,800-acre Yale-Myers Forest, provide opportunities for ecological research, field studies, and instruction.
Peabody Museum of Natural History: Students can work with more than 2 million specimens, including fossils, birds, insects, animals, and plants, supporting research and practical learning.
Marsh Botanical Garden: The garden and its greenhouses provide opportunities to study plant diversity, environmental change, and plants from tropical, arid, and other environments.
Research institutes and centers: Students can benefit from resources connected with the Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies, including centers and programs focused on biodiversity, earth observation, spatial biodiversity, and eco-epidemiology.
Scientific equipment and laboratories: Yale’s Science and Engineering Cores provide access to advanced scientific instruments and technical support for biological research.
Microscopy facilities: Students involved in research can access light and electron microscopy resources for studying biological specimens and structures.
Computational resources: Yale provides high-performance computing resources that support computational and data-driven biological research.
Field trips and student activities: YEEBUG, Yale’s undergraduate EEB group, organizes field trips, academic panels, and other activities that allow students to explore ecology and evolutionary biology beyond the classroom.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Yale’s Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program opens doors to careers in ecology, environmental science, conservation, biological research, public health, medicine, and related fields. The B.S. is especially useful for students considering graduate research, medical school, or veterinary school, while the B.A. offers a broader foundation for students interested in ecology, evolution, and organismal biology.

Typical career paths include Ecologist, Environmental Scientist, Biological Researcher, and Conservation Scientist. Students can build their professional profile through:

Career support: Yale’s Office of Career Strategy helps students explore career options, prepare for employment, and access career resources and graduate outcomes information.
Research experience: Students can work with faculty research groups in areas such as ecology, evolution, genetics, physiology, environmental science, plant science, and molecular biology.
Employment outcomes: Yale College reports that 95.3% of the Class of 2025 was employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The mean starting salary was $94,028 among graduates employed full-time in the United States; these figures represent Yale College overall rather than EEB graduates specifically.
Career opportunities: The EEB department highlights pathways in areas such as medicine, public health, the pharmaceutical industry, science writing, teaching, conservation, and biological research.
Research preparation: B.S. students complete two terms of original or intensive senior research, helping them develop practical research skills and strengthen applications for future academic or professional opportunities.
Long-term value: The degree provides a strong foundation for advanced study in ecology and evolutionary biology, biological sciences, environmental science, medicine, and veterinary medicine.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.A. or B.S., students can continue into graduate programs in ecology and evolutionary biology, biological sciences, environmental sciences, and related disciplines. The B.S. also provides preparation for professional education such as medical or veterinary school, while students interested in research can pursue doctoral-level study, including Yale’s Ph.D. program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.