Ecology and Evolutionary Biology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is a rigorous interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the dynamic relationships among living systems at multiple scales—from genes and genomes to entire ecosystems—and how these systems transform across time. The program explores the mechanisms driving biodiversity, the evolutionary history of life, and the ecological forces that shape species interactions and environmental adaptation.
- Animal and Plant Ecology: Investigates how individual species interact with their environments, including habitat use, resource competition, and responses to environmental change.
- Population and Community Ecology: Analyzes patterns of species distribution, abundance, and interactions within ecological communities over time.
- Evolutionary and Ecological Genetics: Examines the genetic basis of evolutionary change and how gene flow, selection, and drift influence adaptation and diversity.
- Molecular Evolution: Explores changes in DNA and protein sequences across generations to infer evolutionary relationships and mechanisms of genetic innovation.
- Conservation Biology: Applies ecological and evolutionary principles to protect biodiversity, manage endangered species, and sustain ecosystems under human pressure.
- Functional Ecology: Studies how organismal traits and physiological processes affect ecological performance and fitness in natural settings.
- Biometry and Quantitative Methods: Employs statistical and mathematical tools to analyze biological data, model ecological systems, and test evolutionary hypotheses.
- Scientific and Research Ethics: Addresses integrity, responsibility, and ethical standards in conducting biological research and communicating findings.
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Ecology and Evolutionary Biology degrees, including Natural Sciences Managers, Biological Scientists, All Other and Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 246,550 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences Managers 11-9121 | $161,180 | $79,830 - $239,200 | 100,870 | $77.49 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other 19-1029 | $93,330 | $54,500 - $159,780 | 59,710 | $44.87 |
| Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1053 | $87,710 | $50,670 - $164,290 | 7,130 | N/A |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1042 | $83,460 | $50,760 - $169,560 | 53,250 | N/A |
| Conservation Scientists 19-1031 | $67,950 | $45,260 - $107,720 | 25,590 | $32.67 |
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $68,053 in Louisiana to $126,622 in California—a 86% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 246,550 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 43 institutions offering Ecology and Evolutionary Biology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is found at University of Colorado Boulder (CU) (195 graduates), University of Michigan (U‑M), Ann Arbor (78 graduates), Princeton University (50 graduates), University of Kansas (KU) (48 graduates), and The University of Texas (UTEP), El Paso (44 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 840 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
195 | Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| University of Michigan (U‑M) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
78 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| Princeton University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
50 | Princeton, New Jersey | Private | princeton.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
48 | Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| The University of Texas (UTEP) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
44 | El Paso, Texas | Public | utep.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
34 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| Colorado College |
Bachelor's
|
33 | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Private | coloradocollege.edu |
| University of California (UCI) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
31 | Irvine, California | Public | uci.edu |
| University of California (UCD) |
Bachelor's
|
30 | Davis, California | Public | ucdavis.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Bachelor's
|
30 | Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
|
29 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Bachelor's
|
27 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Bachelor's
|
25 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| Saint Cloud State University (SCSU) |
Bachelor's
|
15 | Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Public | stcloudstate.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
15 | Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
12 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Eastern Michigan University (EMU) |
Master's
|
10 | Ypsilanti, Michigan | Public | emich.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| Northeastern University (NU) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | northeastern.edu |
| Michigan Technological University (MTU) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Houghton, Michigan | Public | mtu.edu |
| Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | University Center, Michigan | Public | svsu.edu |
| Kent State University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
7 | Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| Colby College |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Waterville, Maine | Private | colby.edu |
| Trinity University |
Bachelor's
|
7 | San Antonio, Texas | Private | new.trinity.edu |
| Rice University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Houston, Texas | Private | rice.edu |
| San Jose State University (SJSU) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | San Jose, California | Public | sjsu.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Norman, Oklahoma | Public | ou.edu |
| Brown University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Providence, Rhode Island | Private | brown.edu |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | Champaign, Illinois | Public | illinois.edu |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Moorhead, Minnesota | Public | mnstate.edu |
| Temple University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| Cornell College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Mount Vernon, Iowa | Private | cornellcollege.edu |
| Barnard College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | New York, New York | Private | barnard.edu |
| Drexel University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | drexel.edu |
| Florida Southern College (FSC) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Lakeland, Florida | Private | flsouthern.edu |
| Iowa State University (ISU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Ames, Iowa | Public | iastate.edu |
| Loyola University New Orleans (LOYNO) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | loyno.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Post-Master's
|
2 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| Villanova University |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Villanova, Pennsylvania | Private | villanova.edu |
| University of Idaho (U of I) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Moscow, Idaho | Public | uidaho.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Ecology and Evolutionary Biology programs
How much can I earn with a Ecology and Evolutionary Biology degree?
Salaries for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology graduates vary by role and location. Natural Sciences Managers earn a median of $161,180 annually, while Biological Scientists, All Other earn around $93,330. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $126,622 compared to $68,053 in Louisiana. Approximately 246,550 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Ecology and Evolutionary Biology programs?
Currently 43 accredited institutions offer Ecology and Evolutionary Biology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Colorado Boulder (CU) (195 graduates), University of Michigan (U‑M), Ann Arbor (78 graduates), and Princeton University (50 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 260 in 2010 to 840 in 2023-24. This represents a 223% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Ecology and Evolutionary Biology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Natural Sciences Managers, Biological Scientists, All Other, and Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 246,550 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Biological Sciences Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Biological Sciences field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Systematic Biology
A program that focuses on the theoretical and empirical study of the principles and processes underlying the origin and maintenance of biological taxonomic...
Epidemiology
A program that focuses on the scientific study of disease, disability, and trauma patterns within and across populations and the development of health...
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
A program with a general synthesis of epidemiology and biostatistics or a specialization which draws from epidemiology and biostatistics. Includes instruction in biostatistics,...
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Any instructional program in ecology, evolution, and systematics not listed above.
Molecular Medicine
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the molecular and cellular basis of disease, and the application of this knowledge to...
Neuroscience
A program that focuses on the interdisciplinary scientific study of the molecular, structural, physiologic, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of the brain and nervous...