Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, BS

The Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology degree is designed to provide a strong foundation in the fundamentals of ecology and evolutionary biology, including focal points in population, community, and ecosystem ecology; evolutionary ecology and biology; conservation biology; population genetics; behavior; and ecological and evolutionary genomics. Our major provides unique experiential learning opportunities for students interested in the fundamentals of evolution; the ecology of terrestrial, marine, and freshwater systems; and the application of both of these in the pursuit of the conservation and restoration of natural systems. Further, students in our major have the opportunity to focus on cutting-edge techniques in the use of molecular tools to answer fundamental questions in ecology and evolution. The interdisciplinary nature of our major fosters critical thinking and creativity in scientific problem solving while instilling skills that will result in scientifically literate global citizens. The curriculum for this major also satisfies premed and prevet requirements. Courses offered by this major fulfill several core competencies required by Northeastern University: Engaging with the Natural and Designed World, Exploring Created Expression and Innovation, Conducting Formal and Quantitative Reasoning, Analyzing and Using Data, Employing Ethical Reasoning, writing-intensive courses, and capstone.

Fieldwork is a valued component of training in our programs, and several of our courses use field sites, resources, and facilities of the Marine Science Center and throughout the greater Boston area. Students interested in having a foundational education in ecology and evolutionary biology, and also participating in the Northeastern Three Seas Program, will be able to meet the requirements for both programs. All students will also have the option to complete undergraduate research experiences with faculty members in the Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences and can take advantage of our faculty networks of scientists and practitioners for additional co-op and research opportunities.

Students graduating with an EEB major will be prepared for success in pursuing graduate degrees; for working in multiple areas of science and technology, including data science and biotech sectors; and for positions with consulting companies, nonprofits, and government agencies.

Ecology and evolutionary biology majors and associated combined majors cannot be combined with majors in biology, marine biology, or environmental and sustainability sciences, nor can those students minor in biology, marine science, or environmental and sustainability sciences.

• Concentrations and course offerings may vary by campus and/or by program modality. Please consult with your advisor or admissions coach for the course availability each term at your campus or within your program modality.
• Certain options within the program may be required at certain campuses or for certain program modalities. Please consult with your advisor or admissions coach for requirements at your campus or for your program modality.

Complete all courses listed below unless otherwise indicated. Also complete any corequisite labs, recitations, clinicals, or tools courses where specified and complete any additional courses needed beyond specific college and major requirements to satisfy graduation credit requirements.

Universitywide Requirements

All undergraduate students are required to complete the Universitywide Requirements.

NUpath Requirements

All undergraduate students are required to complete the NUpath Requirements.

Due to overlap in course content, double majoring in ecology and evolutionary biology and marine biology is not permitted.

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Major Requirements