The Master of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology program prepares students for research and teaching careers in such fields as aquatic ecology, terrestrial ecology, evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, and physiological ecology. It provides background for students entering doctoral programs in diverse areas of plant, animal, and microbial ecology. It also prepares research personnel for careers with government agencies or private companies concerned with the protection or management of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The program stresses the development of research skills, taxonomic expertise, field and laboratory methods, and their application to both theoretical and applied ecology.