EEB Careers

EEB Career Information

A concentration in ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB) provides students with the competitive skill sets they will need in a diverse array of careers.  EEB majors have pursued careers in a wide variety of fields including biotechnology, conservation, natural resource management, non-profits, environmental consulting, education, government positions, and graduate school. A degree from the EEB department could also lead to opportunities at natural history museums, zoos, or careers in the Great Out Doors! See the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) webpage for even more possibilities. Many recent graduates of the EEB department pursue a MS, or PhD in graduate school, or move into medical, or veterinary school. Also, be sure to view the Biology Advising Center’s Career Opportunities page.

Local, State and Federal Resource Agencies

Some EEB graduates use their experience and skill sets to find work within a variety of local, state and federal resource agencies. There are many ways to look for these positions.

Office of personnel management site lists course requirements for certain types of Federal jobs (e.g., with USFWS); scroll down for Biological Sciences jobs. Note that there is often no flexibility about these requirements, so making sure you have the needed credits is a good idea.

For specific listings:
US Government Jobs
The United States Environmental Protection Agency
US Forest Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Non-profit Sector

EEB students also have careers working for  environmentally-based non-profit programs. These programs might include environmental education, wildlife rehabilitation, or land restoration.
Sierra Club
Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Idealist
National Council for Science and the Environment
Wildland Restoration Volunteers

Private Sector

Some EEB students may find their interests and skill sets more aligned with the private sector. These students will do well in fields such as biotechnology, forensic sciences, or research and design for pharmaceutical companies to name a few.
Biotechnology Industry Organization
CL Biotechnology (Craigslist science/biotechnology opportunities in Boston, MA)
Jackson Laboratory careers (Biomedical and genetic research)
MassBio (opportunities in biotechnology in MA)
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America

General

Science Careers provides a Job Seeker newsletter dedicated to being the world leader in matching qualified scientists with jobs in industry, academia, and government.
Conservation Jobs Board
Cyber-Sierra’s natural resources job search
Environmental Jobs Sites
Nature Conservancy job board
Ornithology Exchange job board
Primate Info Net
The Smithsonian Institution
Texas A&M University Wildlife Job Board

Live Animal Facilities

EEB students who enjoy working with animals can pursue careers working in aquariums, or zoos.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums
World Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Education

EEB students who plan to teach 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 Connecticut State Department of Education, Bureau of Certification.

Biological Societies

Students who are interested in a particular field, or organism of biology may be interested in exploring some of the professional associations for information on careers and internships.  Many have list serves that you can subscribe to for announcements about job opportunities.

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
Animal Behavior Society
Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation
Botanical Society of America
American Bryological and Lichenological Society
Ecological Society of America
Federation of Animal Science Societies
Ornithological Societies of North America
Society for Conservation Biology
Society for Ecological Restoration
Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles
Society for the Study of Evolution

Advanced Degrees in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Many EEB students pursue higher education after receiving their baccalaureate (BA). Options include a graduate program in evolutionary biology or ecology, law school, veterinary school or a career path 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 our MS and PhD programs in EEB, click here. Also, follow the links below for a preview of the jobs that you might find after graduation.

Professional Schools

CURE
Jackson Laboratory careers (Biomedical & genetic research employment opportunities in CT)

  • Health professions, veterinary school, and law school: Students interested in pursuing a career or further education in health, veterinary medicine, or law can contact an Advisor, or schedule an appointment from the following links:

Pre-Health
Pre-Veterinary
Pre-Law