Overview

The Ecology and Evolution programme at University of California, Santa Cruz provides students with the interdisciplinary skills necessary for understanding and solving complex problems in behaviour, ecology, evolution, and physiology. This comprehensive curriculum includes a focus on both basic concepts and applied aspects that address critical environmental challenges. Students explore biological questions across a wide variety of scales, ranging from molecular mechanisms to large-scale temporal and spatial issues.

Why Ecology and Evolution at University of California, Santa Cruz?

The university offers a robust academic environment through the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department, located at the Coastal Biology Building. This setting provides students with access to specialised resources dedicated to the study of biodiversity and conservation biology. The programme is designed to integrate genetic and ecological perspectives, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to handle modern environmental crises.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 37602 per year
National fee: USD 37602 per year
Local fee: USD 16785 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the mechanisms of life and the interactions between organisms and their environments. Modules may include:

Ecology
Evolution
Physiology
Conservation Biology
Biodiversity
Behaviour
Genetic Aspects of Biology
Molecular Mechanisms

Careers with Ecology and Evolution

Graduates from this department are prepared for a diverse range of professional pathways in the public and private sectors. The rigorous scientific training supports transitions into roles within industry, government agencies, or non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Many students also utilise this degree as a foundation for further academic or professional study.

Common career and educational destinations include:

Graduate research programmes
Medical school
Dental school
Veterinary medicine
Environmental consultancy
Governmental conservation roles

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Marine Ecology

Ornithology

Herpetology

Field Methods in Herpetological Research

Systematic Botany of Flowering Plants

Plants and Society: the Biology of Food, Shelter, and Medicine

Marine Botany

Invertebrate Zoology

Mammalogy

Ecosystems of California

Ichthyology

Large Marine Vertebrates Field Course

Biology of Marine Mammals

Animal Physiology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Natural Sciences Ecology View 395 other Bachelors in Natural Sciences in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the "a–g" courses.

Non-residents must earn a minimum GPA of 3.40.

Take the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT with Essay

The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test or the SAT with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores from the same sitting.

Proof of English Proficiency

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Out-of-State

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16785 USD / year

≈ 16785 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Ecology and Evolution.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Cruz

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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