Central Washington University

What you'll study

The programme is built around core topics in ecology, evolution, systematics and population biology, with emphasis on integrating field observation, laboratory techniques and quantitative analysis. You will take foundational courses in evolutionary theory, population genetics, community and ecosystem ecology, and organismal systematics, alongside training in statistics, experimental design and scientific communication.

• Core subjects: evolutionary biology, population and quantitative genetics, phylogenetics and systematics, community and ecosystem ecology, behavioural ecology.
• Laboratory and analytical skills: molecular ecology techniques, population-level sampling methods, biostatistics, R and other data-analysis tools, GIS basics for spatial ecology.
• Field training: systematic field sampling, mark–recapture, vegetation and wildlife surveys, long-term monitoring techniques and seasonal field courses making use of nearby mountain, river and shrub-steppe habitats.
• Applied and integrative coursework: conservation biology, restoration ecology, ecological modelling and elective seminars on topics such as disease ecology or invasive species.
• Capstone and research: senior seminar or independent research project guided by faculty mentors, often culminating in a written thesis or poster presentation. Internships and practicum placements with regional organisations are commonly pursued.

Entry requirements

Admission to Central Washington University typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent with completion of college-preparatory coursework. Competitive preparation for this major includes strong performance in the sciences and quantitative subjects.

• Recommended high-school subjects: biology, chemistry, mathematics (algebra and precalculus or calculus), and coursework in statistics if available.
• University admissions consider academic record; standardised tests (SAT/ACT) policies may vary—consult the university for current guidance.
• Transfer applicants are usually evaluated on college-level GPA and completed prerequisite coursework in biology and chemistry; specific GPA thresholds depend on the applicant pool.
• International applicants must present an equivalent secondary-school credential and meet English proficiency requirements (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) unless exempt.
• Some upper-division major courses may require prerequisites and instructor approval; students are encouraged to meet with an academic adviser early to plan their sequence.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of careers in ecological and evolutionary sciences, as well as further study. The combination of field experience, lab skills and quantitative training makes graduates attractive to employers and graduate programmes.

• Research positions and technician roles in university, museum or government laboratories.
• Positions with environmental and natural-resource agencies (monitoring, conservation planning, wildlife management).
• Environmental consulting, ecological assessment and restoration projects.
• Geographic information systems (GIS) and data-analyst roles focused on spatial ecology and natural-resource planning.
• Further study: many students progress to master's or doctoral programmes in ecology, evolution, conservation biology, wildlife science or related fields; others pursue teaching credentials for secondary education.

Why study at Central Washington University

Central Washington University offers a programme size and culture that favour hands-on mentorship and undergraduate research participation. The campus is centrally located between the Cascade Range and the Columbia Basin, providing easy access to a diversity of ecosystems for field courses and independent projects.

• Faculty who conduct active research and supervise undergraduates in laboratory and field projects, enabling early involvement in publishable research or conference presentations.
• Frequent field-based learning opportunities using local rivers, riparian corridors, alpine and shrub-steppe environments for practical training in sampling and monitoring.
• Opportunities for internships and collaborations with regional conservation organisations, land-management agencies and community science initiatives.
• Support services including academic advising, career services and lab/field facilities that prepare students for employment or graduate study in ecology and evolutionary biology.