Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

What you'll study

This degree emphasises the interplay between organisms, populations and environments across temporal and spatial scales. Core topics include evolutionary theory, population genetics, community and ecosystem ecology, systematics and taxonomy, and conservation biology. Students take practical courses in field methods, ecological sampling, biodiversity assessment, and laboratory techniques, as well as quantitative modules in statistics, biostatistics, and ecological modelling.

• Core modules: Evolutionary Biology, Principles of Ecology, Population Biology, Systematics and Taxonomy.
• Skills and methods: Field ecology and survey methods, molecular techniques for population genetics, GIS and spatial analysis, ecological modelling, and data analysis with R or similar software.
• Applied and integrative topics: Conservation and restoration ecology, landscape ecology, community ecology, and climate change biology.
• Research and capstone: An independent research project or senior thesis supervised by faculty, and opportunities for internships with regional conservation organisations or land managers.
• Electives: Courses in animal behaviour, plant ecology, freshwater ecology, vertebrate/invertebrate zoology, and environmental policy allow specialisation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically required to hold a high-school diploma or equivalent with a solid foundation in the sciences. Recommended preparation includes high-school biology and chemistry, and coursework in mathematics such as algebra or precalculus; calculus and introductory statistics are advantageous.

• Academic requirements: Successful applicants normally demonstrate achievement in science and mathematics subjects; specific GPA expectations follow the university's general undergraduate admission standards.
• Supporting materials: A completed application, academic transcripts, and a personal statement describing interest in ecology/evolution are standard. Letters of recommendation from science teachers or employers strengthen an application.
• Mature and transfer students: Applicants with college credits, relevant work experience, or prior degrees are considered; transfer credit for introductory biology, chemistry and maths may be awarded following evaluation.

Career prospects

Graduates are well placed for a range of careers in environmental science, conservation and research, or for further study. The degree builds both practical field skills and quantitative analysis abilities valued across sectors.

• Environmental consultant or technician (ecological surveys, habitat assessments)
• Conservation biologist or restoration ecologist with NGOs, land trusts or government agencies
• Wildlife biologist, fisheries technician or natural resource manager at state and federal agencies
• Laboratory or field research assistant, supporting academic or applied research projects
• Further academic study: master’s or PhD programmes in ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation science or related disciplines
• Science education and outreach roles in museums, parks and community organisations

Why study at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s offers a personalised undergraduate environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, which benefits students undertaking field- and research-intensive programmes. The Winona campus and surrounding Mississippi River valley provide immediate access to diverse freshwater, forest and bluffland ecosystems for laboratory and field courses.

• Undergraduate research focus: Faculty-led projects and a capstone thesis give students early research experience and practical skills valued by employers and graduate programmes.
• Hands-on learning: Routine field trips, laboratory sessions and opportunities for internships with regional conservation organisations help translate theory into practice.
• Community and partnerships: Collaboration with local agencies, nature centres and land managers provides pathways to applied work experience and professional networking.
• Supportive setting: Small cohorts and accessible faculty support make Saint Mary’s suitable for students who thrive with close academic guidance and experiential learning.