EBIO Career Information
Students who earn a degree in ecology and evolution have a wide variety of career choices. The American Institute of Biological Sciences has an excellent description of the many opportunities open to biologists. For more specific information relevant to CU students, read on below.
To look for specific and current jobs for CU students, check out the EBIO advising blog and select the "Jobs and Internships" category.
Advanced degrees
Some EBIO students continue their education after receiving a BA in ecology and evolutionary biology. Choices might include a graduate program in ecology or evolutionary biology, veterinary school, law school, or one of the many educational and career choices in the health field.
- Graduate school in ecology or evolutionary biology: Students interested in pursuing a graduate degree should talk to their advisor and faculty members about possible programs and how to best prepare. For a listing and comparison of various Master’s and PhD programs in ecology and evolutionary biology, click here.
- Health professions, veterinary school, law school: Students interested in pursuing a career or further education in health, vet, or law, should contact CU’s pre-professional office using the following links.
Pre-Health (including Veterinary)
Pre-Law
Local, state and federal resource agencies
Some EBIO students use their skills and experience to find jobs with various local, state and federal resource agencies. There are a variety of ways to look for these positions. For a broad listing of ecology and environmental jobs, click here. For more specific listings:
The United States Environmental Protection Agency
US Forest Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Colorado Division of Wildlife
Boulder County Parks and Open Space
For a listing of available government jobs in all fields: US Government Jobs
Non-profit sector
Many EBIO students enjoy careers working for a variety of non-profit, environmentally-based programs. Some of these programs include wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education.
Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Sierra Club
Idealist
National Council for Science and the Environment
Live animal facilities
EBIO students who enjoy working with animals can search for positions that include working in zoos and/or aquariums.
Zoological Park Careers
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Private sector
EBIO students may find their skills and interests to be better suited to the private sector. This might include careers in biotechnology, forensic science, or research and design for pharmaceutical companies among others.
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation
Biotechnology Industry Organization
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
Education
EBIO students who plan ahead can fulfill the requirements for a Biology Secondary Education License or may earn one after completing their degree. Students who are interested in secondary education should contact the CU School of Education.
More biology career opportunities
Students who are interested in a particular field of biology may be interested in exploring some of the professional associations for information on jobs, careers, and internships.
American Phytopathological Society
American Society for Icthyologists and Herpetologists
Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography
American Society of Mammalogists
American Society of Plant Biologists
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Botanical Society of America
Ecological Society of America
Federation of Animal Science Societies
Ornithological Societies of North America
Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles
To search broadly for jobs in science, try some of these databases.
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