Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

This programme combines core concepts in evolution, systematics and population biology with practical training in ecology and quantitative methods. Typical study areas include evolutionary theory, phylogenetics and taxonomy, population genetics, community and ecosystem ecology, behavioural ecology, conservation biology and biogeography.

Course types include lectures, laboratory classes, field courses and seminars. Students gain hands-on experience in experimental design, ecological sampling, molecular techniques, statistical analysis and ecological modelling. Many students complete a substantial independent project or honours thesis under the supervision of faculty, enabling direct participation in ongoing research.

• Core subjects: evolutionary biology, population dynamics, systematics and phylogenetics, ecology and ecosystem science.
• Quantitative and lab training: statistics for biologists, population genetics laboratory, molecular methods and bioinformatics.
• Fieldwork and applied modules: field ecology, habitat assessment, conservation practice and restoration ecology.
• Capstone and research: senior research project or thesis, research seminars and opportunities for undergraduate co-authorship.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have completed secondary education with a strong preparation in biology and mathematics. Recommended prior study includes high school biology and chemistry and coursework in algebra, precalculus or calculus. Experience with laboratory work or field biology is advantageous but not always required.

Typical admissions criteria consider academic record, personal statement and references. Prospective students are encouraged to highlight any relevant summer work, volunteer experience, field courses or research internships. International applicants should demonstrate comparable secondary-school qualifications and English language proficiency where required.

Career prospects

Graduates from this field move into a wide range of professional paths. Many pursue postgraduate study (master’s or PhD) in ecology, evolution, conservation science, genetics, or related disciplines. Other common career outcomes include roles as research technicians, conservation biologists, environmental consultants, wildlife managers, ecological restoration practitioners, data analysts in environmental sectors and science communicators.

Graduates also find positions in government natural-resource agencies, non-governmental conservation organisations, environmental consultancies, botanical and zoological collections, and education. The quantitative and research skills developed in the programme are transferable to careers in bioinformatics, public policy, and pharmaceuticals.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington offers a research-active biology department with faculty working across a broad spectrum of evolutionary and ecological topics, providing strong mentorship and opportunities for undergraduates to join research projects. The university’s resources include molecular and ecological laboratories, computational facilities and collaborations with interdisciplinary research centres that support environmental and genomic studies.

Students benefit from field course offerings and access to regional natural habitats for hands-on ecological training. Indiana University emphasises undergraduate research and provides pathways for students to gain field experience, present at conferences and publish alongside faculty. The programme’s balance of field, laboratory and quantitative training prepares graduates both for practical conservation roles and for continued academic study.