Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, MS
Further your education alongside renowned researchers to investigate wide-ranging ecological and evolutionary questions at the forefront of biology including in animal behavior, conservation, global change, systematics, data science, and much more. Our MS in ecology and evolutionary biology prepares students for a variety of career options and is designed to be flexible and hands-on with multiple mentoring and professional development opportunities.
Program Overview
The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology MS program teaches advanced study of organisms, their environments, and the evolutionary processes that shape biodiversity.
You can take courses in ecosystem ecology, field botany, and disease ecology; learn about animal behavior and genomics; practice techniques in statistical analysis, data science, niche modeling; and explore the state of Tennessee’s biodiverse lifeforms through field and lab work. Our interdisciplinary and hands-on program prepares you to effectively collect and analyze data, think critically, effectively communicate science, and to use these skills to contribute to knowledge in the broad fields of ecology and evolution. Our program is designed to allow you to succeed wherever you go.
Our MS graduates are well prepared for careers in government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), environmental consulting, the private sector, museums, and other research-focused industries, as well as for continued study in PhD programs.
Concentrations
Our current selection of concentrations include:
- Behavior
- Ecology (including Mathematical Ecology)
- Evolutionary Biology
Whether you’re interested in exploring evolution, natural selection, or the evolutionary drivers behind behavior, our concentrations equip you with specialized knowledge and powerful skills that will help you hit the ground running.
PhD and Concurrent Master’s Degree
If you’re interested in pursuing your PhD, the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology offers PhD students the opportunity to complete a concurrent master’s degree as they progress towards their PhD. You will complete 30 hours of coursework and pass a comprehensive exam, allowing you to accelerate your academic journey and set you apart in the job market and beyond.
What Sets Us Apart
Top 10%
Ecology Program
According to a study conducted by three ecology and evolutionary biology researchers, UT’s EEB program is in the top 10% of ecology programs among other universities in North America.
1 in 12
students receive external fellowships
On top of teaching and research assistantships, 1 in 12 of our graduate students have received external fellowships from places like the National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Energy.
Over 15
funding agencies sponsor faculty
Our faculty contribute to some of the most ground-breaking research in ecology and have received funding from over 15 different federal or non-profit agencies.
Why Study Ecology and Evolutionary Biology?
The Master of Science program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is flexible, allowing you to choose courses that fit your career goals. We provide funding through a teaching assistantship and multiple professional development opportunities.
Moreover, the Biology Field Station and our renowned facilities and collections can help you hone your skills in natural science collections and biodiversity knowledge to prepare you for future careers.
Renowned Facilities and Collections
UT Herbarium
As one of the largest plant collections in the southeast, the University of Tennessee Herbarium showcases over 700,000 plant, and fungal specimens, and is an instrumental tool for documenting biodiversity across Tennessee and from around the world.
UT Hesler Biology Greenhouses
The Biology Greenhouses hold a variety of plant species from across the world. The greenhouses are used for teaching and research, serving as a place for students to apply their knowledge and study plant ecology, diversity, and evolution.
Etnier Ichthyology Collection
The UT Etnier Ichthyological Collection (UTEIC) houses over 500,000 fish specimens from the state of Tennessee and across the Americas, making it an invaluable tool used for teaching and research in the department and beyond.
What Can You Do with an MS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology After Graduation?
In the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program at UT, students are immersed in hands-on learning experiences in field, lab, and courses that prepare them for a variety of career options. Students have multiple opportunities to present and publish research, build networks, and engage in professional development, setting them up for career success.
Graduates go on to work with many different types of employers, such as government agencies, nonprofits, consulting firms, universities, and research institutions. In government, you could become a wildlife biologist, conservation scientist, data scientist or ecologist. Conservation nonprofits employ restoration ecologists, field biologists, and program managers. Environmental consulting firms and other private sector organizations hire environmental consultants and data analysts. If you want to go the academic route, you can become a research assistant or technician at a university or research institution or move to a PhD program.
The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program will prepare you for careers in these disciplines and more, with courses to give you the experience you need and faculty and staff supporting you in your research questions from day one.
Featured Courses
EEB 509 Core Ecology
Readings, lectures, and discussion about transformative concepts and people in ecology, taught by multiple EEB faculty who are experts in these fields.
EEB 511 Core Evolution
Readings, lectures, and discussion about transformative concepts and people in evolution, taught by multiple EEB faculty who are experts in these fields.
EEB 560 Biometry
Statistical applications in biological research using R, case studies, and your own data in a hands-on exploration of data analysis and interpretation.
EEB 604 Science Writing
Provides a foundation and support for productive scientific writing. Emphasizing a practical understanding of scientific writing through a process of weekly writing and peer review.
Complementary Minors and Certificates
Looking to enhance your degree? Consider these programs as a complement to your primary major.
Looking For More Options?
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