Degree: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Major: Evolutionary Biology

Program Overview

The Evolutionary Biology Program is designed to provide students with knowledge of macro- and micro-evolutionary processes underlying the evolution and diversification of life on Earth and an understanding of the meta-scientific issues involved in this unique field of study.

The program includes grounding in the history and philosophy of evolutionary thought and alternative conceptualizations of the mechanisms, patterns, and processes of evolution. It emphasizes evolutionary theory, foundations of ecology and genetics, focused study of particular organisms or groups of organisms, and the dynamics of evolutionary principles in scientific inquiry. 

Undergraduate Policies

For undergraduate policies and procedures, please review the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Accelerated Master's Programs

Undergraduate students may participate in accelerated programs toward graduate or professional degrees. For more information and details of the policies and procedures related to accelerated studies, please visit the Undergraduate Academics section of the General Bulletin.

Program Faculty

Program Requirements

This program is available only as a second major for a BA degree; as a secondary major for a student completing a BS degree; or as the sole major for a BA degree if a student is also completing a BS degree. All students must meet the general requirements for bachelor's degrees and the Unified General Education Requirements.

Evolutionary biology is a second major, to be pursued in conjunction with a conventional disciplinary major. Up to 12 credit hours in required and elective courses taken by students for their first major may be applied to their evolutionary biology major.

The 30 credit hour interdisciplinary major in evolutionary biology consists of:

1. Three foundation courses
2. One course in ecology
3. One course in the philosophy/history of science
4. 15 credit hours of approved electives

The approved electives may include additional philosophy/history of science courses from the list below. In consultation with a major advisor, students will tailor intensive study to suit particular interests within the major.