Program Overview

Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Certificate

The Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Certificate (E3B) is a rigorous program that advances students’ knowledge of the environmental sciences, allowing them to prepare for highly competitive graduate programs or pivot to environmental biology or ecology-related careers.

Program Overview

E3B’s curriculum provides college graduates who did not major in environmental biology the type of academic experience that highly competitive graduate programs require. The part-time program’s flexible schedule allows students to advance their education at their preferred pace.

Program Details

• Certificate Options:
  • Certificate in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology (Part-Time)
  • Certificate in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology (Full-Time)
• Application Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s or equivalent
• Course Format:
  • Designed to be part-time, with students completing the certificate in four to eight terms (including summers)
  • If started in the summer term, the program can be completed in three intensive terms (one calendar year) on a full-time or near full-time basis
• Time Commitment:
  • 9 courses in total

Research Opportunities

A limited number of competitive research grants are available that can provide up to $1,000 per student for independent lab or field research. New York City-based institutions offer research opportunities in affiliation with the E3B program.

Who Should Apply

• Recent graduates who wish to prepare for graduate school in a field related to ecology and/or environmental biology
• Professionals seeking a career change into a purposeful and dynamic career

Added Benefits

• Small class sizes allow for individualized attention
• Students will be able to conduct research under the mentorship of departmental faculty

International Students

International Students must be enrolled full-time to qualify for an F-1 Visa. International students are responsible for ensuring they have read and understand the University’s student visa application eligibility and requirements. Please note that it is not permissible to enroll while in B-1/B-2 status. In addition, if studying on a student visa, you must enroll in the full-time option (12 credits per term), if available, and study on campus.

Featured Faculty, Students & Alumni

Student testimonials highlight the program's impact on their career paths and personal growth, such as Peter Lichtenthal and Alyssa Ramirez, who found the program extremely rewarding in helping them flesh out their career goals.

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This program is part of the Columbia University School of Professional Studies. The university is committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares students for successful careers in their chosen fields. The Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology Certificate program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the environmental sciences, preparing them for graduate study or careers in related fields.