WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN:
ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND
BEHAVIOR
What Activities Could Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Majors Do?
Ecologists study the evolutionary adaptations of plants and animals to the environment. The ecological
perspective encompasses the growth and maintenance of populations and their interactions in communities, and
the interrelationships among organisms and physical events in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The
behavioral biology perspective deals with adaptations to the environment, mechanisms of behavior, and the
evolution of social systems. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, ecologists may collect, study,
and report data on the quality of air, food, soil, and water. A primary concern of ecologists is to study and
attempt to find solutions for disruptions in various ecosystems.
Carol L. McClelland’s “Green Jobs in Ecology” outlines the following approaches within ecology:
Systems ecology focuses on the influence of humans on ecosystems.
Applied ecology applies ecological principles to real-world environmental problems.
Conservation ecology is dedicated to reducing the risk of extinction.
Restoration ecology uncovers what’s needed to repair damaged ecosystems.
Population ecology is the study of populations of organisms, including how they increase and go
extinct.
Environmental biology studies the natural world, as a whole or in a particular area, especially as
affected by human activity.
A PhD is usually required for independent research and always to teach at the college level. A master’s degree
is sufficient for some jobs in applied research and jobs in management. A bachelor’s degree is required for
some positions in applied research or product development, but mostly non-research jobs. A bachelor’s degree
in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior provides a solid foundation for advanced professional degrees.
Industries Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Majors Work In (Sample Listing)
Nature/Conservation Museums
Universities
Environmental Engineering Firms
Government Agencies Consulting
Environmentalist Groups
Environmental Consulting Firms
Employers Who Hire Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Majors (Sample Listing)
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
JC Hormel Nature Center
National Park Services
Science Museum of Minnesota
Washington Conservation District Wilderness Inquiry
Wildlife Management Services
Minnesota Conservation Corps
Nature Conservancy
Sanford Health
National Institutes of Health
Audubon Center of the North Woods
Ecology and Environment, Inc.
Environmental Protection Agency U.S Geological Survey
MN Dept of Natural Resources
Prairie Restorations, Inc.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Information on this page was compiled from the Occupational Outlook Handbook, College Board, Green Jobs for Ecology, University
of Minnesota departmental websites, and student-reported data.
Types of Full-Time Job Titles For Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Majors (Sample Listing)
Ecologist: Collects, studies, and reports data on the quality of air, food, soil, and water.
Ecotoxologist: Combines the methods of ecology and toxicology in studying the effects of toxic substances and
especially pollutants on the environment.
Environmental Scientist: Conducts research to identify and abate or eliminate sources of pollutants that affect
people, wildlife, and their environments.
Naturalist: Researches and develops educational programming for national and state parks.
Conservationist: Manages the use and development of forests and other natural resources.
Science Teacher: Develops and teaches science curriculum which includes scientific experiments.
**Some of these positions may require an advanced degree**
Useful Websites For Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Majors
Eco Jobs
www.ecojobs.com/index.php
Ecology Society of America
www.esa.org/
Environmental Careers Organization
www.eco.org/
Science Careers
www.sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/
Science Jobs
www.sciencejobs.com/
Life Science Alley
www.lifesciencealley.org/ (contact the CCSE for login info.)
BioBusiness Alliance of MN
www.biobusinessalliance.org/
BioCareers
www.biocareers.com
Hire Bio
www.hirebio.com
Lab Support
www.oalabsupport.com
Biology Jobs
www.biologyjobs.com
Professional Associations
ESA - Ecological Society of America
Society for Conservation Biology
The Wildlife Society
Society for Mathematical Biology
Animal Behavior Society
Human Behavior and Evolution Society
National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis
National Science Foundation
Society of Experiential Biology and Medicine
Association for Women in Science
www.esa.org/
www.conbio.org
www.wildlife.org
www.smb.org
www.animalbehaviorsociety.org
www.hbes.com/
www.nceas.ucsb.edu/
www.nsf.gov
www.sebm.org
www.awis.org
*additional job/internship search websites and resources at: ccse.umn.edu*
See the Major Binders available in the CCSE’s Resource Center for more information about this major and
career.
Information on this page was compiled from the Occupational Outlook Handbook, College Board, Green Jobs for Ecology, University
of Minnesota departmental websites, and student-reported data.