Best institutions to study Environmental Biology
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the origins, functions, relationships, interactions, and natural history of living populations, communities, species, and ecosystems in relation to dynamic environmental processes.
51 U.S. institutions graduated 481 Environmental Biology students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 26.1305, a specialization of Ecology (CIP 26.13), and leads most directly to the Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists occupation (BLS SOC 19-1023).
About Environmental Biology programs
A program that focuses on the scientific study of the origins, functions, relationships, interactions, and natural history of living populations, communities, species, and ecosystems in relation to dynamic environmental processes. Includes instruction in biodiversity, molecular genetic and genomic evolution, mesoscale ecology, computational biology and modeling, conservation biology, local and global environmental change, and restoration ecology.
See also: 03.0104 - Environmental Science.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Environmental Biology program, with a focus on Ecology, delves into the scientific study of living populations, communities, species, and ecosystems. This program is designed for students interested in understanding the intricate relationships between organisms and their environments, as well as the impact of environmental changes on biodiversity and ecosystems. It is ideal for those passionate about conservation and ecological research.
Students in this program will gain essential skills in critical thinking, science, and writing, alongside knowledge in biology, geography, and environmental processes. Coursework typically covers topics such as biodiversity, conservation biology, and restoration ecology, equipping graduates with a comprehensive understanding of ecological dynamics.
Credentials awarded
What Environmental Biology graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree408 graduates / yr · 38 institutions85%
- Master's degree40 graduates / yr · 10 institutions8.3%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship27 graduates / yr · 5 institutions5.6%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.4%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.4%
- Associate's degree1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.2%
- Post-master's certificate1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.2%
Graduates over time
Environmental Biology completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 270 |
| 2013 | 302 |
| 2014 | 356 |
| 2015 | 324 |
| 2016 | 354 |
| 2017 | 351 |
| 2018 | 412 |
| 2019 | 364 |
| 2020 | 437 |
| 2021 | 458 |
| 2022 | 477 |
| 2023 | 477 |
| 2024 | 445 |
| 2025 | 481 |
Top 50 institutions for Environmental Biology, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, COPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 79 | 67% | — | $35,322 |
| 2 | SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse, NYPublicBachelor's | 48 | 66% | — | — |
| 3 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MIPublicBachelor's | 43 | 81% | — | $29,318 |
| 4 | University of Dayton Dayton, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 20 | 80% | $28,560 | $23,609 |
| 5 | California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Pomona, CAPublicBachelor's | 19 | 68% | — | — |
| 6 | Georgetown University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 17 | 95% | $22,242 | — |
| 7 | Monmouth University West Long Branch, NJPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 16 | 72% | $28,514 | $25,004 |
| 8 | East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania East Stroudsburg, PAPublicBachelor's | 16 | 43% | — | $35,762 |
| 9 | Washington University in St Louis St. Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 15 | 94% | $14,126 | — |
| 10 | Whitman College Walla Walla, WAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 11 | 81% | $28,508 | — |
| 11 | Morgan State University Baltimore, MDPublicDoctoral | 10 | 41% | — | — |
| 12 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, MNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 10 | 66% | $18,163 | — |
| 13 | Troy University Troy, ALPublicMaster's | 9 | 50% | — | — |
| 14 | Principia College Elsah, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 9 | 74% | — | — |
| 15 | Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science Paul Smiths, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 51% | $22,773 | — |
| 16 | SUNY Brockport Brockport, NYPublicMaster's | 8 | 55% | — | — |
| 17 | Providence College Providence, RIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 86% | $32,048 | — |
| 18 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 65% | $28,911 | — |
| 19 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZPublicDoctoralMaster's | 7 | 68% | — | — |
| 20 | Wingate University Wingate, NCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 7 | 46% | $21,585 | — |
| 21 | Elizabethtown College Elizabethtown, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 7 | 76% | $22,907 | — |
| 22 | Fort Lewis College Durango, COPublicBachelor's | 6 | 36% | — | — |
| 23 | Regis University Denver, COPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 6 | 61% | $22,407 | — |
| 24 | Montana Technological University Butte, MTPublicPost-degree cert.Master'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 58% | — | — |
| 25 | Dartmouth College Hanover, NHPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 6 | 96% | $14,689 | — |
| 26 | North Dakota State University - Main Campus Fargo, NDPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 6 | 64% | — | — |
| 27 | Greenville University Greenville, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 40% | $20,472 | — |
| 28 | Drury University Springfield, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 62% | $20,482 | — |
| 29 | Lee University Cleveland, TNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 63% | $18,918 | — |
| 30 | DePauw University Greencastle, INPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 75% | $20,874 | — |
| 31 | Washburn University Topeka, KSPublicBachelor's | 4 | 53% | — | — |
| 32 | Hood College Frederick, MDPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 4 | 57% | $23,244 | — |
| 33 | Ferris State University Big Rapids, MIPublicBachelor's | 4 | 47% | — | — |
| 34 | Spring Arbor University Spring Arbor, MIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 64% | $19,806 | — |
| 35 | Plymouth State University Plymouth, NHPublicBachelor's | 4 | 52% | — | — |
| 36 | The University of Tennessee - Martin Martin, TNPublicBachelor's | 4 | 53% | — | — |
| 37 | Saint Edward's University Austin, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 63% | $24,630 | — |
| 38 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Bayamon Bayamon, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 4 | 35% | $10,334 | — |
| 39 | Blackburn College Carlinville, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 57% | $21,088 | — |
| 40 | Cornerstone University Grand Rapids, MIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 62% | $21,132 | — |
| 41 | Barnard College New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 93% | $24,675 | — |
| 42 | Miami University - Oxford Oxford, OHPublicDoctoral | 3 | 80% | — | — |
| 43 | Grace College and Theological Seminary Winona Lake, INPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 69% | $16,216 | — |
| 44 | Northwestern College Orange City, IAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 66% | $22,419 | — |
| 45 | Bethel University McKenzie, TNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 35% | $21,324 | — |
| 46 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico - Aguadilla Aguadilla, PRPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 2 | 43% | $8,433 | — |
| 47 | Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 53% | $25,892 | — |
| 48 | Connecticut State Community College New Britain, CTPublicAssociate's | 1 | 24% | — | — |
| 49 | University of Mount Olive Mount Olive, NCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 52% | $16,473 | — |
| 50 | Keystone College La Plume, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 36% | $23,598 | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Ecology field (CIP 26.13) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 28 states & territories
Where Environmental Biology graduates come from. Each state links to all Ecology programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-1023, Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Environmental Biology program often pursue careers as Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists, with additional opportunities in education and conservation. The job outlook indicates little or no change in this field, with approximately 1,400 annual openings and a median wage of $72,860 for those holding a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 26.1305
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologistsprimary SOC 19-1023 | $76,780 | +1.6% Little or no change | ~1,400 | Bachelor's degree |
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1042 | $84,620 | +7.3% Faster than average | ~5,400 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Biological Scientists, All Other SOC 19-1029 | $98,920 | +1.2% Little or no change | ~4,800 | Bachelor's degree |
Conservation Scientists SOC 19-1031 | $73,010 | +3.4% About as fast as average | ~2,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Environmental Biology programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
- Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
- Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.
- Study animals in their natural habitats, assessing effects of environment and industry on animals, interpreting findings and recommending alternative operating conditions for industry.
- Disseminate information by writing reports and scientific papers or journal articles, and by making presentations and giving talks for schools, clubs, interest groups and park interpretive programs.
- Study characteristics of animals, such as origin, interrelationships, classification, life histories, diseases, development, genetics, and distribution.
Tools and technology used
Other Ecology specializations
The 11 other 6-digit CIP codes under Ecology (CIP 26.13).
- EpidemiologyCIP 26.13093,001 graduates / yr102 institutions
- Marine Biology and Biological OceanographyCIP 26.13022,636 graduates / yr84 institutions
- EcologyCIP 26.13011,166 graduates / yr67 institutions
- Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyCIP 26.1310879 graduates / yr42 institutions
- Conservation BiologyCIP 26.1307405 graduates / yr37 institutions
- EcologyCIP 26.1399344 graduates / yr17 institutions
- Epidemiology and BiostatisticsCIP 26.1311248 graduates / yr19 institutions
- Evolutionary BiologyCIP 26.1303192 graduates / yr14 institutions
- Aquatic Biology/CIP 26.1304
Limnology partial data126 graduates / yr9 institutions - Systematic Biology/CIP 26.1308
Biological Systematics limited data24 graduates / yr2 institutions - Population BiologyCIP 26.1306partial data10 graduates / yr3 institutions
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in Environmental Biology?+
You can earn a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctor's degree, as well as a Postbaccalaureate certificate.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, science, writing, and active learning.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?+
You can work as a Zoologist, Wildlife Biologist, or in conservation and education roles.
What is the job outlook for Environmental Biology graduates?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 1,400 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Environmental Biology?+
Environmental Biology is CIP 26.1305 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Ecology (CIP 26.13). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the scientific study of the origins, functions, relationships, interactions, and natural history of living populations, communities, species, and ecosystems in relation to dynamic environmental processes. Includes instruction in biodiversity, molecular genetic and genomic evolution, mesoscale ecology, computational biology and modeling, conservation biology, local and global environmental change, and restoration ecology.
How many institutions offer Environmental Biology programs?+
51 U.S. institutions reported Environmental Biology graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 28 states & territories, awarding 481 credentials in the year. That is 5.1% of all Ecology graduates.
How much do Environmental Biology graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists occupation, which Environmental Biology most directly leads to, pays a median of $76,780 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Ecology field report median earnings of $29,318 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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