Biological Sciences : Ecology & Evolution

Students who have an interest in the living world around them and who love to learn about, interact with or observe living organisms in their natural environment will often find this concentration within the biology major to be very rewarding. Successful biology majors are good at making careful observations and recording information in a logical way. They excel at analyzing that information (critical thinking), which often involves employing basic math skills. Students who enjoy active, hands-on learning will enjoy this concentration, especially learning about various ecosystems and examining fossils and other evidence for evolution and natural selection. Visual learners will especially appreciate the complexity of the organisms and environments they will study. The major requires a significant amount of hard work and study time, but can result in a very rewarding career.

Graduates with a BS in biology and a concentration in ecology and evolutionary biology have a wide range of career options as well as options for graduate study. The MS or PhD degrees in biology can lead to careers in teaching and research. A few examples of career fields open to biology majors with this concentration include the following (many of which require additional postgraduate studies):

• Academic, industrial, environmental / organismal researcher
• Botanist
• Conservation specialist 
• Consultant
• Ecologist 
• Environmental studies specialist
• Evolutionary biologist 
• Fish and wildlife management specialist
• Landscape specialist 
• Law, specifically areas that include environmental issues requiring a solid scientific background
• Marine biologist
• Middle/high school educator
• Museum curator
• Natural resources manager
• Naturalist, Zookeeper
• Paleontologist
• Peace corps worker
• Regulatory affairs specialist
• Scientific writer
• Soil scientist
• Veterinarian

Students working toward an undergraduate degree at UC can earn a minor, while non-degree students (e.g., graduate students, non-matriculated students) can earn a certificate. The requirements are the same for both. See an undergraduate student advisor in the Department of Biological Sciences to create a plan to meet the requirements outlined below.

Course Requirements (31-32 hours):

• Biology I & II with Labs, BIOL 1081-1082, 1081L-1082L  (8 hours)
• Genetics, BIOL 2083  (3 hours)
• Evolution and Ecology, BIOL 2084C OR Cell Biology, BIOL 2085C  (4 hours)
• General Chemistry I & II with Labs, CHEM 1040-1041, 1040L-1041L  (10 hours)
• Two upper level electives, BIOL 3000 and above  (6-7 hours)*
  *Two courses are required;  must be chosen from list of upper level biology courses posted by Biology department each academic year.  One must have a lab component - this may be taken either by completing a combined course (designated C) or by completing a lecture course with a companion laboratory course, or by completing Undergraduate research for 3 credits in a single semester with a public presentation.

Click here to declare the minor online

Contact department via information which appears on this page.

Students in the UC College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

4+1 Cosmetic Science Master's Degree

Biology majors interested in a career as a Cosmetic Scientist can now complete their bachelor’s and master’s degree in 5 years, without having to take the GRE. Students will be introduced to cosmetic science classes after their first year while continuing to study basic chemistry and eventually will move onto a full year of cosmetic science during the 5th year.  They will have two co-op opportunities, one each during the third and fourth year. Once in graduate school, students’ coursework will include skin care science, hair care science, formulation science, and color cosmetics in order to be well-prepared to enter this rapid-growth job market.

Faculty within the Department of Biological Sciences are actively engaged in research in a variety of areas. Undergraduates have the opportunity to participate in this research and can earn academic credit that can be applied toward their upper-level biology course requirements. Research can also be done in nearby biology laboratories outside of the department, such as at the UC Medical school, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, or the Environmental Protection Agency.  Outstanding undergraduates (with a GPA of at least 3.3 overall) may apply for admission to the honors program in biology as early as the spring semester of their sophomore year.

Teaching laboratories within the department are well-equipped and devoted to undergraduate education. Faculty are involved and dedicated to employing new teaching methods and technology that enrich students’ educational experiences.

To graduate from the UC College of Arts and Sciences, students must:

• Earn at least 120 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework. Students who have met all other degree requirements must continue earning credit until the total number of their earned hours comes to at least 120.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses taken at the University of Cincinnati.
• Attain a 2.0 grade point average for all courses within the biology major.
• Be in good academic standing, that is, not on either academic probation or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Complete the residency requirement by earning at least 30 credits after matriculating into the college, including at least 12 credits from the A&S Biology Department that count toward major requirements.
• Complete all of the requirements of at least one major (see major requirements above).
• Complete the college core requirements.
• Submit an application for graduation to the registrar's office by their posted deadline.

Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in the most recent institution.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 at most recent institution

University transfer scholarships are available to those who meet specific requirements and ANY admitted A&S transfer student might qualify for an A&S transfer scholarship. Deadlines and eligibility criteria are online via the previous links.

For any inquiries please contact us at artsci@ucmail.uc.edu.

For more information, visit the Transfer and Transition Advising Center. 

Transfer students should apply using our transfer student online application. 

Transfer Articulation Agreements & Pathways 

UC has developed clear pathways (articulation agreements) between select associate degrees at partner institutions and compatible bachelor’s degrees at UC. Each pathway includes a Transfer Degree Map that offers a semester-by-semester course comparison to assist with your transfer planning.

The following institutions have Transfer Degree Maps for this major: 

• Cincinnati State Technical & Community College 
• Sinclair Community College 

Admission to A&S is generally available for any on-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has a cumulative 2.0 GPA.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA.