MS Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at University of California, Riverside

Programme overview

The Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology offers MS and PhD degrees with an emphasis on the PhD. Students gain a broad background in evolution, ecology and organismal biology, along with exposure to current research and a concentration in a specific area.

Faculty: College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences | Department: Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology | Intake: Fall | Study mode: full-time | Location: Riverside, CA, United States

What you will study

Broad training in evolution, ecology and organismal biology plus a concentration area, with research and optional teaching training leading undergraduate laboratories and discussion sections.

Career pathways

Prepares students for careers in biology.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GRE is not required for the MS or PhD and scores are not considered. Coursework includes 24 units of graduate (200-series) biological sciences courses, at least 12 outside the 290-299 series. Graduate Division (university-wide): bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or recognized international equivalent; minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA (some programs set a higher standard); transcripts, statement of purpose and letters of recommendation; English proficiency (TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic 7 with no component below 6) unless the prior degree was taught in English; GRE/GMAT only where the program requires it (many no longer do). Source: graduate.ucr.edu/admission-requirements.

UC Riverside operates a quarter system. Summer begins mid-June, Fall late September, Winter early January and Spring late March/early April. Most graduate programmes admit and begin in the Fall quarter only.

New domestic applicants: Fall January 5 (fellowship consideration) / June 1 (admission only), Winter November 1, Spring February 1, Summer May 1. New international applicants: Fall January 5 (fellowship consideration) / June 1 (admission only), Winter September 1, Spring December 1, Summer March 1. A few programmes have deadlines after June 1 and some have earlier programme deadlines. The Winter 2027 and Spring 2027 applications are open for select programmes only; the Summer/Fall 2027 application opened September 1, 2026, with rolling review for most programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.ucr.edu/apply/

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