MS in Biology – Ecology, Behavior & Evolution

2 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Boston University

Program Overview

The MS in Biology – Ecology, Behavior & Evolution at Boston University provides advanced training in the study of organisms, their behaviour, evolutionary processes and interactions with the environment. Students develop an individually tailored programme of coursework and research, with opportunities to investigate ecological and evolutionary questions across laboratory, field and marine settings.

Curriculum Structure

The EBE curriculum is flexible rather than organised into a fixed year-by-year sequence. Students work with a faculty advisor to select graduate-level courses and research activities based on their academic interests and chosen degree track.

Year 1:

Students establish their academic foundation through graduate courses in ecology, behaviour, evolution and related biological disciplines. They attend Graduate Progress in Ecology, Behavior, Evolution and Marine Biology (BI 579/580) and begin developing a research direction with their faculty advisor.

Year 2:

Students complete the remaining coursework and fulfil the requirements of their selected track. The research thesis track includes supervised research and a thesis, while the scholarly paper track requires a substantial literature-based paper; the coursework track focuses on completing the required graduate credits.

Available Study Tracks:

Coursework Track: 32 credits of graduate-level coursework, with no thesis or scholarly paper requirement.
Scholarly Paper Track: 32 credits, including a literature-based scholarly paper approved by a faculty committee.
Research Thesis Track: 32 credits, including supervised research and a thesis approved by a faculty committee.

Focus Areas: Animal behaviour, behavioural ecology and sociobiology, evolutionary biology, ecological and evolutionary genomics, molecular ecology, population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry and marine biology.

Learning Outcomes: Develop advanced knowledge of ecology, behaviour and evolution; gain expertise in a specialised biological research area; evaluate scientific literature and research findings; and build the skills required for life-science research, teaching and related professional roles.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), ensuring high educational standards.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Boston University consistently ranks among the top universities for employability, with strong placements in QS World University Rankings and Guardian University Guide.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The programme combines graduate coursework with opportunities to engage in biological research across natural environments and laboratory settings. EBE students can investigate basic and applied questions involving organisms and ecosystems, with research approaches ranging from molecular and genetic analysis to field observation and ecosystem-level studies.

Field-Based Research: Conduct research in terrestrial, aquatic and marine environments. BU faculty and students work at field sites in New England and locations around the world, providing opportunities to study organisms and ecosystems in different environmental settings.
Laboratory Research: Participate in laboratory-based investigations that complement fieldwork. Research can involve molecular ecology, evolutionary genomics, animal behaviour and other biological approaches, depending on the selected research area.
Marine Biology Experience: MS students following the research thesis track with a marine biology focus may have the opportunity to participate in the Marine Semester during the fall. This includes an intensive month of research courses coordinated through the BU Marine Science Program.
Faculty-Guided Research: Work with a faculty advisor to develop a personalised coursework and research plan. EBE applicants are encouraged to contact faculty whose research interests match their proposed area of study.
Graduate Seminars: Attend BI 579/580 – Graduate Progress in Ecology, Behavior, Evolution and Marine Biology during the programme to engage with current research and developments in the field.
Research and Scholarly Writing: Depending on the selected track, develop a literature-based scholarly paper or complete an original research project and thesis. These activities strengthen research design, critical analysis and scientific communication skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MS in Biology prepares graduates for further academic training and employment in teaching and research-related roles. Through advanced study in ecology, behaviour and evolution, students develop transferable skills in scientific investigation, field research, data interpretation, critical analysis and scientific communication. These skills can support careers across environmental research, conservation, wildlife management, government agencies, universities and private-sector life-science organisations.

Potential Career Opportunities:

Ecologist: Study relationships between organisms and their environments, including population and ecosystem processes.
Wildlife Biologist: Investigate wildlife populations, behaviour, habitats and conservation needs.
Conservation Scientist: Support biodiversity protection, habitat management and environmental conservation projects.
Marine Biologist: Study marine organisms, aquatic ecosystems and marine conservation issues.
Evolutionary Biologist: Research evolutionary processes, species adaptation and genetic variation.
Environmental Research Associate: Assist with ecological assessments, field investigations and environmental research projects.
Research Associate: Support scientific studies, collect and analyse biological data, and contribute to research publications.
Field Research Specialist: Conduct field observations, ecological surveys and biological sampling.
Environmental Consultant: Apply ecological knowledge to environmental assessments and conservation planning.
Biology Educator or Instructor: Use advanced biological knowledge in educational and teaching environments, subject to relevant employer qualifications.

Research and Specialisation Opportunities: Graduates can build expertise in animal behaviour, evolutionary biology, marine conservation, molecular ecology, ecosystem ecology, population biology and tropical ecology. Their research experience can be relevant to environmental organisations, conservation programmes, ecological consultancies, universities and government research agencies.

Academic and Research Preparation: The research thesis and scholarly paper tracks provide experience in independent investigation, literature evaluation, scientific writing and presenting research findings. These capabilities are particularly useful for graduates seeking research assistantships, laboratory positions or further academic study.

Professional Development and Networking: Boston University's Biology Department provides an interactive graduate environment through departmental seminars, teaching experiences and networking opportunities. Graduate students can also engage with the Biology Graduate Student Association and Graduate Women in Science and Engineering (GWISE), which support academic and professional interaction.

Employment Sectors: University and academic research institutions, environmental consulting organisations, wildlife and conservation agencies, marine science organisations, government research departments, nonprofit environmental organisations and private-sector life-science companies.

Employment Statistics and Salaries: The department does not publish specific employment rates, placement statistics or salary figures for graduates of the EBE specialisation.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue a PhD in Ecology, Behavior & Evolution or related disciplines such as Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Marine Biology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science and Biological Sciences. Boston University offers a PhD programme in Ecology, Behavior & Evolution, where students can undertake advanced independent research involving organisms and their environments across molecular, organismal, population, community and ecosystem levels.