OU's new BS in Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology degree program prepares students for diverse careers

Through an innovative blend of lecture, lab and field-based learning, Oakland University’s new Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology (EEEB) degree program equips students with a versatile skillset to pursue a variety of careers in the life sciences.   

The program’s flexible curriculum is designed to prepare students for professional roles in zoology, botany, conservation biology, agricultural ecology, ecosystem science, ecological sustainability, bioinformatics and natural resource management. Students gain key skills such as lab and field experiment design, data analysis, science communication and teamwork, positioning them for career success and providing a strong background for graduate-level studies.

"Our new Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology major is an interdisciplinary program that equips our students with both scientific understanding and practical skills to address pressing environmental challenges,” said Professor and Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences Dr. Gerard Madlambayan. “The EEEB program will not only allow us to meet a growing student passion for environmental stewardship, but also prepare students for careers in ecology and related fields."

The program also supports strategic growth in OU’s Department of Biological Sciences, expanding access to ecology and evolution-related research and hands-on learning opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to course-based research projects, students can participate in research programs of EEEB faculty members, for which they receive course credit. 

Oakland’s campus features many unique resources to support laboratory and field-based research. The university’s Biological Preserve is one of the largest on-campus nature preserves in the country, providing access to a wide variety of ecosystem types for field courses and research projects. A new Outdoor Classroom was recently constructed near the Preserve entrance to support outdoor field courses.

In addition, the Laboratory for Outdoor Research, Agriculture, Conservation and Sustainability (LORACS) houses OU’s Campus Student Organic Farm, multiple hoop houses, a new greenhouse, as well as facilities to support agricultural ecology and aquatic ecology research.

“EEEB will provide so many outstanding learning opportunities for our students, including expanded lab and field course requirements to practice key skills, and increased access to academic and research mentoring from our ecology and evolution faculty,” said Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and EEEB Faculty Adviser Dr. Tom Raffel. “Many students want to pursue careers in what you might call ‘outdoor biology,’ and this program will help prepare them for success in those fields.” 

The EEEB program is currently enrolling students for the Fall 2025 semester. Those interested in enrolling should contact Dr. Raffel or make an appointment with College of Arts and Sciences Advising.

For more information, visit oakland.edu/biology/undergraduate-programs and click on the EEEB program tab.