University of San Francisco

What you'll study

The programme integrates core topics in ecology, evolution, systematics and population biology through a combination of advanced seminars, practical laboratory work and field-based training. Typical areas of study include evolutionary theory, population genetics, phylogenetics and systematics, community and landscape ecology, conservation biology, molecular ecology, and quantitative methods such as biostatistics and modelling.

Students normally take a mix of required and elective courses, for example courses in:

• Population and quantitative genetics
• Phylogenetic methods and comparative biology
• Community, landscape and marine ecology
• Conservation biology and biodiversity assessment
• Molecular ecology and genomics techniques
• Field methods and sampling design
• Statistical computing and ecological modelling
• Research seminar and scientific communication

The programme is research-intensive: students design and carry out an independent research project under faculty supervision, culminating in a thesis or a comparable capstone deliverable. Coursework is complemented by regular seminar participation, opportunities for collaborative lab work and field studies across the San Francisco Bay Area and nearby ecosystems. Elective internships or partnerships with local institutions are commonly integrated into students' training.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or a closely related discipline, with solid preparation in foundational subjects such as genetics, ecology, evolution and statistics. Strong applicants typically demonstrate research experience, for example through undergraduate projects, laboratory work, field courses or employment in relevant organisations.

Application materials generally include academic transcripts, a statement of purpose describing research interests and career goals, letters of recommendation, and a current curriculum vitae. International applicants will need to meet the university's English language requirements. Requirements such as standardised tests may vary by year and by department; prospective students should consult the department for the most up-to-date guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates of this master's programme move into a range of professional roles in both public and private sectors or continue to doctoral study. Typical career paths include:

• PhD research and academic positions in ecology, evolution and biodiversity science
• Research scientist or technician roles in universities, research institutes and laboratories
• Conservation scientist or biodiversity specialist with NGOs and conservation organisations
• Environmental consultant roles focused on impact assessment, habitat restoration and biodiversity monitoring
• Positions in government agencies dealing with wildlife management, natural resources and environmental policy
• Industry roles that require ecological or genomic expertise, including environmental biotechnology and ecological data analysis
• Science communication, education and outreach roles in museums, aquaria and public science initiatives

The programme's emphasis on quantitative skills and applied research also prepares graduates for roles involving ecological modelling, data science and GIS-based analyses.

Why study at University of San Francisco

University of San Francisco offers this programme from a campus situated within a globally significant ecological region. Students benefit from ready access to a wide diversity of field sites — coastal habitats, estuaries, islands and redwood forests — enabling a broad range of field projects and sampling opportunities. The campus's location in the Bay Area also facilitates collaborations and internships with regional research institutions, conservation organisations and governmental agencies.

Research-active faculty bring expertise across molecular ecology, conservation, systematics and population biology, and the programme typically emphasises close faculty mentoring and small cohort sizes. Facilities commonly available to students include molecular and ecology laboratories, computing resources for statistical and modelling work, and partnerships that support applied conservation projects. The university's interdisciplinary approach and focus on ethical, community-engaged scholarship further support students aiming to apply ecological science to real-world environmental challenges.