How To Become an Evolutionary Biologist in 5 Steps (Plus Skills)

Find out how to become an evolutionary biologist. Research the education requirements, and learn about the experience you need to advance your career in evolutionary biology.

How to become an evolutionary biologist

Earn a degree in biology. A bachelor’s degree in biology is typically the minimum requirement for working in the evolutionary biology field. …
Gain field and laboratory experience. …
Find an entry-level position. …
Pursue a graduate degree. …
Complete your dissertation or final study.

How to become an Evolutionary Biologist

How to become an evolutionary biologist

Becoming an evolutionary biologist requires specific steps so candidates learn information and skills related to advanced biology, mathematics and other academic disciplines. Follow these steps if youre interested in the career path of an evolutionary biologist:

1. Earn a degree in biology

A bachelors degree in biology is typically the minimum requirement for working in the evolutionary biology field. Entry-level jobs require a four-year degree so candidates can show theyve mastered the fundamentals of biology and other scientific and mathematics disciplines. Coursework typically consists of instruction in:

A bachelors degree typically takes a minimum of four years to complete, so prepare to commit a significant amount of time to your studies. Depending on your colleges program options, you might be able to participate in internships, co-op research opportunities or other programs to enhance your biological knowledge and grow your professional network.

2. Gain field and laboratory experience

Field and laboratory experience is an important element of a biology career because scientists often collect samples, study specimens in natural environments and perform tests in a laboratory environment. During your studies, you may have several lab classes that allow you to work in a laboratory, but you can also pursue other opportunities to increase your experience. Consider field studies or co-op research opportunities to work with other biology students and form important relationships with the biology instructors you study under. You might use those connections later in your career for job opportunities or endorsement for any future studies.

3. Find an entry-level position

With a bachelors degree and field and laboratory experience, you can pursue entry-level positions at zoos, research facilities or even universities. If youre studying to become an instructor or professor, you can likely find a job as a teachers assistant or assistant professor. Entry-level positions can help biology graduates establish their skills in the field before continuing their studies. They also help you build up a professional network, learn new skills that you cant learn in the classroom and explore what your future work environment might look and feel like.

4. Pursue a graduate degree

Most evolutionary biologists also hold a graduate degree, such as a masters or Ph.D. This is because graduate programs allow students to specialize in a specific discipline and master their craft. If you want to become an evolutionary biologist, a masters or Ph.D. is typically a hard requirement. These programs can require an additional two to four years of study and help establish your name in the field with the proper credentials. Choose evolutionary biology as your specialization and complete a graduate program to work as an evolutionary biologist or professor.

5. Complete your dissertation or final study

Evolutionary biologists complete a final dissertation or study prior to graduating from their graduate programs. This final study showcases mastery of the subject and contributes something valuable to their respective field. Choose a topic within evolutionary biology that you find appealing and consider writing your dissertation or case study on that subject. Its important to be thorough and precise in your studies and dictation, as a panel of professors and potentially other scientists review your documents for accuracy, quality and added value to the field.

What is an evolutionary biologist?

An evolutionary biologist is a professional scientist who studies the theory of evolution as it relates to the field of biology. The theory of evolution states that in response to environmental stimuli, living things can evolve certain traits or attributes that can help genes progress to new generations. An evolutionary biologist typically performs field work, collecting samples and analyzing specimens to determine evolutionary traits or patterns. They might also work in a laboratory environment or as part of a larger team of researchers or as instructors or college professors.

Evolutionary biologist skills

Evolutionary biologists need various skills to work in their field, including:

FAQ

Is evolutionary biologist a good career?

The average salary for an evolutionary biologist is about 72,000 USD per year. Since the amount of biologists is expected to grow in the next 3 years, it would be a good career choice.

What can you do with a degree in evolutionary biology?

Students who major in EBIO have career opportunities that include fields such as conservation and natural resource management, teaching, employment at government agencies and parks, biotechnology and pursuit of advanced training in graduate school.

How can I become an evolutionary biologist in India?

To become an evolutionary biologist you have to have a graduation, post graduation and a phd degree in the evolutionary biology or related fields. You can first go with the courses like MBBS, or BSc, and then for the masters and then PHD in the field. Hope this helps, thank you.

Can you major in evolutionary biology?

This Bachelor of Science is for the student planning to pursue graduate study or a career in ecology and evolutionary biology, or a related scientific field.