Program Overview

Overview

The Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EBIO) department at the University of Colorado Boulder offers a Master of Arts (MA) degree in a wide variety of biological disciplines. The program is designed to prepare students for admission to PhD programs, teaching positions, or employment as professional biologists.

Requirements

The EBIO MA program requires 30 credit hours of coursework, at least 24 of which must be at the 5000 level or above. There are two degree plans: Plan I (Thesis Option) and Plan II (Non-Thesis Option).

Plan I: Thesis Option

• The MA I program is a two-year course of study that focuses on a research project culminating in a thesis.
• Prospective students are urged to consult with faculty advisors to determine whether application for the MA I or PhD program is more appropriate.
• Applications for the MA I program are considered on a competitive basis, and the department only admits students for whom financial support is available.
• The thesis topic is presented to the thesis committee as a written research proposal in the second semester of the program.
• The committee administers an examination on general knowledge in ecology and/or evolutionary biology in the third semester.
• The final examination consists of the thesis defense, which should be scheduled during the second year for full-time students.

Plan II: Non-Thesis Option

• The non-thesis master's degree is offered through the EBIO department's MA II program for students interested in furthering their knowledge of ecology and/or evolutionary biology but not in graduate training beyond the MA.
• This program is suitable for secondary school teachers and others whose career choices do not require a research thesis.
• Applicants are required to attain sponsorship from a faculty member prior to submitting application materials.
• Applicants are considered on a competitive basis, and financial support is not guaranteed for MA II students.
• Thirty credit hours of coursework are required for the degree, at least 24 of which must be at the 5000 level or above, including 4 credit hours of independent research leading to a paper to be presented to the faculty sponsor.
• An examination on general knowledge in ecology and/or evolutionary biology is administered by the advisory committee in the third semester, and this committee may also require a final oral examination.

Learning Outcomes

By the completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of ecological and evolutionary principles.
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to complex biological problems.
• Design and conduct original research in ecology and/or evolutionary biology.
• Communicate research findings effectively through written and oral presentations.
• Integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines to address complex biological questions.

Admission Information

• International student applications are due by December 1, and U.S. domestic applications by December 31 for consideration for admission during the subsequent academic year.
• A completed domestic application includes a statement of intent, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and scores on the GRE General Test.
• Applicants are encouraged to communicate with potential faculty sponsors well before the application deadline.
• Applications for spring semester admission are not accepted.
• Students are required to have a bachelor's degree in biology or an equivalent.

Bachelor's-Accelerated Master's Degree Program

Students may earn this degree as part of the bachelor's-accelerated master's (BAM) degree program, which allows currently enrolled CU Boulder undergraduate students the opportunity to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in a shorter period of time. For more information, see the Accelerated Master's tab for the associated bachelor's degree(s): Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - Bachelor of Arts (BA).