Undergraduate
Embark on a journey with hands-on learning, supportive faculty, and opportunities that spark your passion.
Undergraduate Majors Offered
Biology B.A.
The General Biology B.A. offers a flexible curriculum tailored to your interests, guided by expert faculty and advisors. With a strong emphasis on immersive field courses and hands-on lab experience, you’ll explore diverse ecosystems while gaining the skills to conduct hands-on research.
Ecology & Evolution B.S.
Immerse yourself in the science of life on Earth with the Ecology & Evolutionary Biology B.S., where you’ll explore how species interact, adapt, and thrive across ecosystems and through time. From redwood forests to coral reefs, you’ll gain hands-on experience through immersive field courses, faculty-led research, and adventures abroad in places like Costa Rica and Australia. Along the way, you’ll build the interdisciplinary skills needed to tackle big environmental challenges, from conserving biodiversity to understanding the forces that shape our planet’s future.
Marine Biology B.S.
Dive into the Marine Biology B.S., where Monterey Bay’s rich marine life and world-class research facilities become your classroom. You’ll study everything from plankton to marine mammals with opportunities for hands-on fieldwork, diving, boating, and research with leading scientists. With access to marine reserves, state and federal labs, and unique internship opportunities, you’ll gain the skills to protect and manage our oceans’ future.
Plant Sciences B.S.
Discover the dynamic world of plants while pursing a Plant Sciences B.S. You’ll gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs and greenhouses and where diverse natural ecosystems become your classroom. Take advantage of the renowned UC Natural Reserves surrounding campus, and immerse yourself in field courses that span coastal wetlands to towering redwood forests. Along the way, you’ll build a strong foundation in ecology, evolution, physiology, genetics, and sustainable agriculture. Whether your interests lie in conservation, biotechnology, or restoration ecology, this program provides the knowledge, hands-on training, and career pathways to transform your curiosity into meaningful impact.
Degree-Defining Experiences
The Ecology & Evolutionary Biology department is deeply committed to experiential learning, offering hands-on lab and field courses, including specialized, quarter-long immersive experiences and preapproved UC Education Abroad programs that fulfill major requirements. Nestled among the rich ecosystems of Monterey Bay and UCSC Natural Reserves, our campus serves as a living laboratory where students engage directly with real-world ecological and evolutionary challenges. Through these experiences, you’ll develop strong scientific skills, boost your confidence, and build lasting connections within UCSC’s vibrant STEM community, preparing you for impactful careers in research, conservation, and beyond.
For currently enrolled students, see the Degree-Defining Experiences section of the EEB Student Handbook for a list of opportunities. You must be logged into your UCSC account to access the Handbook.
Prospective Student Information
Prospective Frosh
Visit Undergraduate Admissions for more information about Applying to UCSC.
Prospective Transfers
The Admissions website provides detailed information on Transferring to UCSC.
Undergraduate Major Requirements
Visit UCSC General Catalog to learn more about the specific requirements for EEB-sponsored majors.
Undergraduate Program Learning Outcomes
The undergraduate curriculum offered by the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB) is designed to ensure that all students declared in any EEB sponsored major will achieve the Program Learning Outcomes.
Already enrolled? Find all relevant information in the EEB Student Handbook.
To contact an EEB advisor, email eebadvising@ucsc.edu. To schedule an advising appointment, use Slug Success.