Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.S. in Evolution, Ecology and Behavior
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Evolution, Ecology and Behavior at UB is designed to provide advanced training in the scientific principles and methods drawn from its three core disciplines: Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior. While the exact credit requirements for the M.S. are less detailed than for the Ph.D. program in publicly available information, the program generally focuses on developing expertise in research, education, and management. It aims to train students to understand topics such as human origins, the evolution of biodiversity across time and space, the origins of social systems, and the impacts of climate change and biotic invasions on ecosystems. The program prepares graduates for roles in academia, industry, government, and non-profits.
Curriculum: While specific course lists for the M.S. in EEB are not explicitly detailed in general overviews, the curriculum is structured to provide a solid foundation in the core areas of evolution, ecology, and behavior. Given its interdisciplinary nature, students would likely take courses that cover topics such as population genetics, community ecology, behavioral ecology, conservation biology, and quantitative methods relevant to these fields. The program likely includes seminars, laboratory work, and opportunities for field research. The culmination of the M.S. program often involves a thesis or a comprehensive project that demonstrates the student's research capabilities and mastery of the subject matter.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Evolution, Ecology and Behavior at UB boasts a broad and impactful research focus. Faculty and students engage in cutting-edge studies that address fundamental questions in basic and applied sciences, spanning various spatial and temporal scales. Research interests may include areas such as coral reef ecology, the evolution and ecology of aquatic invertebrates, animal communication, paleobiology, and primate behavior. The program encourages students to be both interdisciplinary and independent in their research, applying experimental, observational, theoretical, statistical, molecular, and chemical approaches. The research conducted through this program has significant implications for applied fields, including conservation, bioremediation, and epidemiology.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Evolution, Ecology and Behavior program at UB aims to train students not only for academic careers but also for roles in industry, government, and non-profits. The skills developed, such as conducting scientific research, data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving, are highly valued in various sectors. While explicit details on formal industry partnerships or mandatory internships for the M.S. program are not widely publicized, the program's focus on practical applications of ecological and evolutionary principles means graduates are well-prepared for roles in environmental consulting, conservation organizations, wildlife management agencies, and related industries. The broader university career services and alumni network also facilitate connections to relevant professional opportunities.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Evolution, Ecology and Behavior at UB inherently embraces a global perspective due to the universal nature of the ecological and evolutionary processes it studies. Topics such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and invasive species are global challenges that require international collaboration and understanding. Research often involves diverse ecosystems and species from around the world, contributing to global conservation efforts and scientific knowledge. The University at Buffalo, as a major public research institution, attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, which further enriches the learning environment with varied global viewpoints on environmental and biological issues, preparing graduates to work on internationally relevant scientific and conservation projects.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Evolution, Ecology and Behavior (EEB) from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) equips graduates with a robust interdisciplinary understanding of how organisms interact with each other and their environment, and how these interactions change over time. This program integrates concepts and methodologies from biology, ecology, evolution, and behavior, preparing students for research, education, management, and regulatory roles. Graduates gain valuable skills in scientific inquiry, data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving, making them versatile professionals capable of addressing complex environmental and biological challenges.
Ecologist/Environmental Scientist: Graduates can work as field or research ecologists for environmental consulting firms, government agencies (e.g., EPA, state environmental protection departments), or non-profit organizations. They conduct ecological surveys, assess environmental impacts, develop conservation plans, and study ecosystem dynamics.
Conservation Biologist/Specialist: Focused on preserving biodiversity, these professionals work for conservation organizations, wildlife trusts, zoos, or government wildlife agencies. Their tasks include designing and implementing conservation strategies, managing endangered species programs, and restoring degraded habitats.
Wildlife Biologist/Manager: This role involves studying wild animal populations and managing wildlife habitats. Graduates work for state and federal fish and wildlife services, private land management companies, or conservation groups, conducting surveys, monitoring populations, and developing management plans.
Behavioral Ecologist/Ethologist: For those specializing in behavior, careers can involve studying animal behavior in natural or controlled settings, often for zoos, research institutions, or animal welfare organizations. This might include research on communication, social structures, or foraging behavior.
Environmental Educator/Naturalist: Graduates can work in nature centers, museums, zoos, botanical gardens, or public parks. They develop and deliver educational programs, lead guided tours, and create exhibits to raise public awareness about ecological issues, wildlife, and conservation.
Geneticist/Evolutionary Biologist (Research Assistant/Associate): With a strong foundation in evolutionary principles and genetics, graduates can work in research laboratories (academic, government, or private sector) studying genetic diversity, evolutionary processes, or applying evolutionary biology to fields like biotechnology or disease ecology.
Natural Resource Manager: These professionals manage natural resources such as forests, water bodies, or protected areas for government agencies (e.g., Forest Service, Department of Natural Resources) or private landholders. They balance resource use with conservation goals, often incorporating ecological principles.
Zoologist/Marine Biologist: Graduates with a focus on specific animal groups can pursue careers as zoologists in zoos or aquariums (e.g., animal care, research, conservation programs) or as marine biologists in research institutions, aquariums, or coastal management agencies.
Biological Consultant: Similar to environmental consultants, biological consultants provide specialized expertise to clients (e.g., construction companies, land developers) on issues related to biodiversity, species protection, wetland delineation, and ecological restoration, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Academic Researcher / Doctoral Student: The M.S. in EEB provides a robust foundation for those aspiring to pursue a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Conservation Biology, or a related field. This path leads to careers in university-level teaching, advanced scientific research, and contributing to the global body of biological knowledge.
