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> College of Letters and Science > Department of Ecology
B.S. in Biological Sciences, Department of Ecology
The Department of Ecology offers the Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences,
which may be earned in four options: Ecology and Evolution, Fish and Wildlife Management, Organismal Biology, or Biology Teaching.
(Please note that you will not major in Ecology,as such, but Biological Sciences through the Department of Ecology.) Most positions for professional biologists require a graduate degree. These options, not including the teaching options, are
intended to provide the prerequisite educational background for graduate programs.
Admission to graduate programs is highly competitive and will depend on academic performance,
scores on standard exams (Graduate Record Exams), and other factors.
Please click on the option title below to review the program of required courses for that option.
Ecology and Evolution
Option
The option in Ecology and Evolution combines (1) a basic sequence of courses in
population ecology, (2) a broad background in the sciences and mathematics, and (3) a flexible
curriculum of advanced courses in biology and related disciplines. The program requires
students to develop strength in one supporting science or in mathematics and statistics.
Because most professional positions in ecology and evolution require a M.S. or Ph.D., this program is designed to prepare students for graduate study while allowing the flexibility to develop an area of specialization or to study a broad range of disciplines related to ecology. The Ecology and Evolution option complements the more focused option
in Fish and Wildlife Management, and the more general option in Organismal Biology.
Fish and Wildlife Management
Option
The option in Fish and Wildlife Management is a professional degree program offered for those students who
have an interest employment inin these Fields. Study leading toward a bachelor's degree
emphasizes basic principles of animal ecology, with considerable work in related fields.
Students graduating with a bachelor's degree may be qualified for entry-level positions in
natural resources management. However, the four-year option primarily provides prospective
fish and wildlife biologists adequate background for applying to graduate programs, required for
most professional positions.
Organismal Biology Option
The Organismal Biology option provides a rigorous program of study in plant or animal biology at the whole-organism,
species, population, and community levels, while allowing students the greatest flexibility in
selecting those biology courses which best meet their interests and objectives. It
accomplishes this by requiring students to select 20 required credits in biology in consultation with their advisor to achieve a personal curriculum. In
addition, students can use the elective credits to develop strength in a second area which may
enhance their prospects of gaining employment with a bachelor's degree or their prospects of
acceptance into specialized graduate programs. Most professional positions in biology require completion of one or more graduate degrees, and the Organismal Biology Option is excellent preparation for graduate studies.
Biology Teaching Option
The Biology Teaching option certifies graduates to be qualified to teach
secondary school biology. It is similar to the Organismal Biology Option, but includes
professional preparation courses required for state teacher certification. Since the Biology Teaching Option includes 40 credits of biology courses, it is an extended major and the State of Montana does not require a teaching minor. However, employment opportunities will be enhanced by obtaining a second area of certifications, usually a teaching minor (listed under College of Education, Health and Human Development). Obtaining a Biology Teaching major, a teaching minor, and certification will require more than eight semesters.
View the Undergraduate Faculty Advisors in the Ecology Department.
Please Consult the Montana State University Undergraduate Catalog for the most current
information on departmental and University curricular and graduation requirements, term offerings
and departmental information.
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