Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Graduate Program

Career Planning

Career Planning

water sample

Demand + Growth

The field of ecology and evolutionary biology is closely tied to numerous growing global challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change adaptation, ecosystem restoration, and the sustainable management of natural resources. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists (a related category) will grow by about 2 % from 2024 to 2034. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career planning and preparation

The Graduate College's Career Services can assist you with resumes, cover letters, and references; offer tools to provide feedback on formatting and content; and lead mock interviews to prepare you for upcoming interviews.

student pipetting at a lab bench

Outcomes: Salaries & Employment

Salary outcomes vary widely depending on role, level (bachelor’s vs master’s vs PhD), employer (government, research, private), and geography. The average national salary for biology majors (a broader category) is approximately $125,220. A reasonable expectation might be that with an advanced degree, leadership roles, or specialized expertise, you could move into $90K-$150K+ range. Employment may require flexibility (field work, seasonal work, government regulatory positions), and further credentials can help.

Data USA

What can you do with a graduate degree in ecology and evolutionary biology?

  1. Environmental consultant or ecological specialist (for private firms or government)
  2. Conservation scientist or wildlife biologist (working for non-profits, governmental agencies, or NGOs)
  3. Research scientist in ecology or evolutionary biology (in academia, governmental labs, or industry)
  4. Natural resource manager (managing forests, watersheds, habitats, invasive species)
  5. Science educator or outreach specialist (teaching biology/ecology, working in museums, nature centers)
  6. Biotechnologist or geneticist focusing on evolutionary genomics, biodiversity, or organismal biology
  7. Policy advisor or environmental planner (using ecology/evolutionary knowledge to inform environmental policy, land-use decisions)
  8. Data analyst/modeler for ecological/biological systems (combining quantitative skills, genomics, and modelling ecosystems)

Career Development Resources