Description of the B.A./M.A. Program

The concurrent Bachelors-Masters Degrees (B.A./M.A.) in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is designed to encourage the highly motivated undergraduate who is majoring in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology to take advanced courses at an accelerated pace, engage in an independent research project, and obtain concurrent bachelors and masters degrees in 5 years. If you are interested in obtaining a B.A./M.A. degree, you are strongly encouraged to speak with the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. early in your undergraduate career. There are a limited number of positions.

What do you gain...by getting the concurrent Bachelor-Master Degrees?

1) Get a rapid entry into a graduate education and the associated level of competence.

2) An opportunity to complete a coherent research project during your stay at the University. The primary focus of EBIO's B.A./M.A. is the research opportunity that it affords. EBIO's B.A./M.A. degrees are not awarded for just completing a number of courses but requires that you A) conduct a research project with thesis and B) demonstrate a level of professional knowledge commensurate with the graduate degree obtained.

3) The advantage of taking graduate-level courses not open to undergraduates. These graduate-level courses provide students with in-depth knowledge and encourage active discussion of research topics.

4) Another advantage is that you can complete the B.A. and M.A. in a shorter time than if separate degrees were sought.

5) A final advantage is that the criteria for admission, although rigorous, are straightforward and simplified relative to EBIO's other graduate degrees. You can also participate in the Honors Program.

We believe that this 5 year B.A./M.A.degree program will better position you to find employment in areas such as environmental consulting, community college/high school teaching, and businesses with an environmental or biomedical emphasis. This degree will also better prepare you for post-graduation professional study.

 

What are the Requirements for Admission?

Earliest admission would be at the end of the second semester of the sophomore year (45 or more credit hours completed). No admissions will be made during the senior year. Only full-time CU Boulder students are eligible. Admission will be based on the following criteria:

  • Completion of the EBIO entry-level curriculum (EBIO 2040, EBIO 2070, and EBIO 3080 with labs). If you are a second semester sophomore, you may not have had time to complete all of these courses. In this case, submit a program of study for the early completion of these requirements. You should also complete a written statement as to why you want to participate in the BA-MA program.
  • Grade Point Average must be 3.0 or greater in the EBIO major and have an overall GPA of at least 2.75 over the 3 semesters (full-time status) prior to application.
  • Transfer students will be evaluated on an individual basis. They may apply during the 1st or 2nd semester of the 3rd year.
  • You must be an EBIO Major to apply to the program.
  • Letters of support from:

    1) the research advisor and

    2) two other persons who can comment on your academic performance and potential.

  • An interview with the Admissions Committee.
  • Deadlines for application are March 15 and October 15.