WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN:

ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND BEHAVIOR

Career Center for Science and Engineering University of Minnesota 612-624-4090 ccse@umn.edu ccse.umnedu

What Activities Could Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Majors Do? Ecologists study the evolutionary adaptations of plants and animals to the environment. The ecological perspective encompasses the growth and maintenance of populations and their interactions in communities, and the interrelationships among organisms and physical events in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The behavioral biology perspective deals with adaptations to the environment, mechanisms of behavior, and the evolution of social systems. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, ecologists may collect, study, and report data on the quality of air, food, soil, and water. A primary concern of ecologists is to study and attempt to find solutions for disruptions in various ecosystems. Carol L. McClellands Green Jobs in Ecology outlines the following approaches within ecology: Systems ecology focuses on the influence of humans on ecosystems. Applied ecology applies ecological principles to real-world environmental problems. Conservation ecology is dedicated to reducing the risk of extinction. Restoration ecology uncovers whats needed to repair damaged ecosystems. Population ecology is the study of populations of organisms, including how they increase and go extinct. Environmental biology studies the natural world, as a whole or in a particular area, especially as affected by human activity. A PhD is usually required for independent research and always to teach at the college level. A masters degree is sufficient for some jobs in applied research and jobs in management. A bachelors degree is required for some positions in applied research or product development, but mostly non-research jobs. A bachelors degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior provides a solid foundation for advanced professional degrees. Industries Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Majors Work In (Sample Listing) Nature/Conservation Museums Universities Environmental Engineering Firms Government Agencies Consulting Environmentalist Groups Environmental Consulting Firms Employers Who Hire Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Majors (Sample Listing) Como Park Zoo & Conservatory JC Hormel Nature Center National Park Services Science Museum of Minnesota Washington Conservation District Wilderness Inquiry Wildlife Management Services Minnesota Conservation Corps Nature Conservancy Sanford Health National Institutes of Health Audubon Center of the North Woods Ecology and Environment, Inc. Environmental Protection Agency U.S Geological Survey MN Dept of Natural Resources Prairie Restorations, Inc. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Information on this page was compiled from the Occupational Outlook Handbook, College Board, Green Jobs for Ecology, University of Minnesota departmental websites, and student-reported data.

Types of Full-Time Job Titles For Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Majors (Sample Listing) Ecologist: Collects, studies, and reports data on the quality of air, food, soil, and water. Ecotoxologist: Combines the methods of ecology and toxicology in studying the effects of toxic substances and especially pollutants on the environment. Environmental Scientist: Conducts research to identify and abate or eliminate sources of pollutants that affect people, wildlife, and their environments. Naturalist: Researches and develops educational programming for national and state parks. Conservationist: Manages the use and development of forests and other natural resources. Science Teacher: Develops and teaches science curriculum which includes scientific experiments.
**Some of these positions may require an advanced degree**

Useful Websites For Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Majors Eco Jobs www.ecojobs.com/index.php Ecology Society of America www.esa.org/ Environmental Careers Organization www.eco.org/ Science Careers www.sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/ Science Jobs www.sciencejobs.com/ Life Science Alley www.lifesciencealley.org/ (contact the CCSE for login info.) BioBusiness Alliance of MN www.biobusinessalliance.org/ BioCareers www.biocareers.com Hire Bio www.hirebio.com Lab Support www.oalabsupport.com Biology Jobs www.biologyjobs.com Professional Associations ESA - Ecological Society of America Society for Conservation Biology The Wildlife Society Society for Mathematical Biology Animal Behavior Society Human Behavior and Evolution Society National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis National Science Foundation Society of Experiential Biology and Medicine Association for Women in Science

www.esa.org/ www.conbio.org www.wildlife.org www.smb.org www.animalbehaviorsociety.org www.hbes.com/ www.nceas.ucsb.edu/ www.nsf.gov www.sebm.org www.awis.org

*additional job/internship search websites and resources at: ccse.umn.edu* See the Major Binders available in the CCSEs Resource Center for more information about this major and career.

Information on this page was compiled from the Occupational Outlook Handbook, College Board, Green Jobs for Ecology, University of Minnesota departmental websites, and student-reported data.