Bachelor in Biology: Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution St Cloud State University

As a Biology: Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution major your coursework will include a breadth of topics at the cutting edge of recent biological advances. You will study the biology of organisms, including how they live, interact, evolve and adapt over time. Coursework in this major offers an educational experience that will prepare you for a variety of careers in scientific research, conservation, federal agencies, industry, academia and more.

Program Highlights

• Hands-on experience in coursework and fieldwork.
• Opportunities for undergraduate participation in hands-on training that includes undergraduate research, faculty research programs, field experience, and student organizations.
• Dynamic curriculum designed to teach skills and knowledge on the cutting-edge of biological sciences
• Faculty lead active research programs funded by agencies such as the National Science Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, Minnesota Department of Military Affairs, U.S. Geological Service and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Program Distinctions

• Biology faculty with an extensive record of research products that lead nationally recognized research programs related to biodiversity, ecology, and evolution.
• Biology Tutoring Center that is open and available to all students on weekdays in the Robert H. Wick Science Building
• Smart classrooms, technology-enhanced lecture halls, advanced laboratories and cutting-edge research laboratories in Wick Science Building.
• Diverse faculty with focused research in invasive plants, ecological theory, fishes and evolution, algae and evolution, conservation and amphibians, and aquatic ecology.

Student Organizations

• Into The Wild Society
• Pre-Vet Society
• Paddling, Adventure, Climbing, & Kiting Club (P.A.C.K.)

University Facts & Statistics

• 94% of Biology: Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution graduates employed
• Commitment to carbon neutrality by 2035
• Student volunteers collect 1,200 pounds of garbage each year along the Mississippi River
• 39 Education Abroad programs offered
• $600,000 National Science Foundation grant helps support students who pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers

Skills and Traits

• Affinity for science
• Artistic
• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking
• Enjoy mental activity
• Enjoy thinking about ideas
• Enjoy traveling
• Enjoy working outdoors
• Good at seeing patterns
• Investigative
• Problem-solving
• Research skills
• Solution-oriented

Popular Careers

• Research Scientist
• Fish and Wildlife Biologist
• Industrial/Wetland/Range Ecologist
• Environmental Scientist
• Ecological Consultant
• Natural History Biologist
• Biological Technician

Job/Career Titles

• Aqua Culturist
• Aquarium Management
• Conservation Biologist
• Consultant
• Environmental Analyst
• Environmental Scientist
• Evolutionary Ecologist*
• Fish and Wildlife Biologist
• Fisheries Management
• Freshwater Ecologist*
• Hatchery Manager
• Hunting/Game Manager
• Industrial Ecologist
• Land Appraiser
• Outdoor/Nature Education
• Park or Refuge Manager
• Park Ranger
• Range Ecologist
• Research Ecologist*
• Resource Management
• Soil Conservationist
• University Professor*
• Veterinarian*
• Wetland Ecologist
• Wildlife Management
• Wildlife Research
• Zookeeper

*Advanced education preferred

Employers

General Industry

• Conservation Organizations
• Environmental Consulting Firms
• Federal/State Government
• Logging & Forestry Industries
• Museums
• National & Private Parks and Forests
• Non-profit Organizations
• Schools, Colleges, and Universities
• Wildlife Refuges, Zoos & Aquariums

Minnesota Employers

• Conservation Corps of MN and IA
• Gander Mountain
• JC Hormel Nature Center
• Metropolitan Mosquito Control
• Minnesota Zoo
• MN DNR
• MN State Institutions
• Science Museum of Minnesota
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Wildlife Management Service