BIOLOGY (Ecology, Evolution and Behavior)
Bachelor's Degree Programs
Ecology looks at how organisms interact with their environment and each other — and this branch of biology is ever evolving and as important as ever.
Among its biology degree options, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers a well-rounded major in ecology, evolution and behavior. This versatile degree program prepares you for environmental science and ecology careers, such as working in conservation or public policy. An emphasis in ecology, evolution and behavior can also prepare you for related graduate programs.
CAN WE BRAG A LITTLE?
All graduating biology respondents were employed or pursuing an advanced degree after graduation. (2020-21 research survey)
Our students and their faculty mentors tracked turtle hatchlings to find out how well a conservation practice called “headstarting” improves hatchling survival.
Why UW-Whitewater for your Ecology degree?
A perfect learning environment.
When you major in biology at UW-Whitewater, the Wisconsin wetlands, fields and forests will serve as your training grounds. With plenty of sites on and near campus, as well as the surrounding Kettle Moraine state natural areas, our location is one of the best reasons to choose UW-Whitewater for ecology.
With a wide variety of electives available, a major in ecology, evolution and behavior at UW-Whitewater allows you to tailor your education to your career and research interests. For example, our program features courses in wildlife ecology, wetland ecology, stream ecology and community ecology. You could take courses focusing on insects and on our local bird population, and on toxicology and bioinformatics.
What our Ecology students do
Explore geological wonders through travel study
Co-author research papers in prestigious journals
Go into the Wisconsin great outdoors for field experiences
Research and hands-on learning experiences
A major in biology with a focus on ecology and evolution at UW-Whitewater will provide you plenty of hands-on experience, including:
Undergraduate Research
Biology students are some of the most active researchers on the UW-Whitewater campus. Ecology majors often participate in the Undergraduate Research Program, as well as work with faculty members through the Research Apprentice Program. A leading international publisher recently highlighted the work of UW-Whitewater student and faculty researchers on invasive plants.
Our department also offers students paid summer research opportunities. Explore research options »
Travel Study
Ecology majors have the opportunity to take a travel study course. For example, in a recent trip, students and faculty conducted tropical research in the jungles of Costa Rica. Learn more about biology internships »
Campus and community involvement
As an ecology, evolution and behavior biology major, you might be interested in participating in UW-Whitewater’s Science Outreach programming, or joining your classmates in Beta Beta Beta, the biology honors society.
Many students within this emphasis are also active in the student Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Club, which frequently takes part in professional volunteer opportunities and trips to museums, zoological gardens, and state natural areas.
First-year students interested in biology (as well as chemistry, physics, or engineering) have the option to live in the Double Helix Learning Community.
Space and places: Our facilities
The UW-Whitewater Department of Biology is home to modern classrooms and research and instrumental labs filled with state-of-the-art equipment.
Our Natural History Specimen Collection in Upham Hall contains thousands of cataloged plant and animal specimens. And our campus greenhouses contain living artifacts.
As an ecology major, you will also enjoy our local landscapes; field work will take you into nearby wetlands, forests and other natural areas.
What our graduates do
Work to conserve our natural resources
Pursue graduate degrees in ecology, toxicology and related areas
Research our ecosystems
Ecology careers: What can you do with a Biology degree?
The biological sciences offer a range of career opportunities. Students interested in the ecology, evolution and behavior emphasis often find careers in natural resource conservation, public policy, parks management, research, education and other related fields.
Graduate Schools
After earning their Bachelor of Science in biology, many of our students pursue master's degrees in fields such as ecology, entomology and toxicology.
Jessica Robinson, from Thomaston, Georgia, earned a B.S. in biology and was hired as a wildlife rehabilitation intern with the Dane County Humane Society in Madison, Wisconsin.
"I'm most proud of participating in Undergraduate Research Day and other research symposiums for my research on chronic wasting disease. I'd like to thank Joshua Kapfer for helping to support my interests and getting me involved in wildlife conservation and Nicholas Tippery for advising and supporting me and for helping me get onto the right academic path."
Grace Morey, from Sugar Grove, Illinois, earned a B.S. in biology and was hired as a horticulturist with Bret Achtenhagen's Seasonal Services in Mukwonago, Wisconsin.
"I'm most proud of becoming the lead operations intern for the sustainability office on campus and breaking the campus record for amount of produce harvested and donated from the campus garden. I'd like to recognize Wes Enterline for facilitating hands-on opportunities for students to learn about sustainability and conservation."
Keegan Sweeney, from Janesville, Wisconsin, earned a BSE in biology education and was hired as a middle school science teacher with the School District of Niagara in Niagara, Wisconsin.
Our faculty
Biology faculty members are dedicated to student success, and many are leading researchers in their field of study, including Fulbright Scholar recognition. Expertise in our department includes topics such as:
- Biodiversity
- Environmental contamination
- Habitat selection
- Insect history and identification
- Conservation and restoration
- Behavioral ecology
- Ephemeral ecosystems
- Ecoimmunology
And our faculty members also research fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, various insects and aquatic invertebrates.
Want to learn more about earning a Biology degree?
262-472-1092 | biology@uww.edu
UW-Whitewater offers the following Ecology, Evolution and Behavior undergraduate options:
- Bachelor of Arts — Ecology, Evolution and Behavior emphasis | 4-year-plan
- Bachelor of Science — Ecology, Evolution and Behavior emphasis | 4-year-plan
- Honors Biology Bachelor’s Degree emphasis | 4-year-plan
Teaching Licensure:
Minors:
In addition to UW-Whitewater’s general education requirements, the ecology bachelor’s degree requires a range of required core and elective classes.
To apply, you’ll complete the UW-Whitewater standard application for admission and indicate your interest in earning a degree in biology.
