Ecology and Conservation Biology is a new department with approximately 250 students and quickly growing. We provide an inclusive, hands-on learning environment in which our students engage in integrated teaching, research, and high-impact programs to create skillful thought leaders in the field. Our students receive world-class education that they can apply to a diverse array of career fields after graduation. Through innovative classroom and field learning experiences, our faculty provide advanced educational opportunities to prepare students for careers in the science and stewardship of biological diversity, ecosystems and their services, and the biosphere. ECCB graduates are critical thinkers set up to succeed in an increasingly competitive job market.

Academic Advising

In the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences we have aligned our academic advising to better support students during their time at Texas A&M University. We have assembled a diverse and knowledgeable advisor community dedicated to providing our students with high-quality academic advising services. If you are a current student and have questions about your coursework, degree program or progress toward graduation, we encourage you to reach out to one of the advisors in WFES Advising Hub.

Undergraduate Student Admissions

Interested students must submit their application, along with required materials through ApplyTexas or The Coalition. To learn more about the ECCB major, reach out to an academic advisor at wfes.advising@ag.tamu.edu.

Transfer Student Admissions

Students interested in transferring from another university or community college must apply by March 1 for the Summer and Fall semesters and October 15 for the Spring semesters. Transfer applicants are required to complete Essay A as part of the application. In the essay students must address why they are seeking the degree and how the degree will assist them in meeting their career goals. Students with excessive (three or more) grades of D, F, Q, N/G, and/or W should include an explanation.

As a transfer applicant, you are required to complete Essay A as part of the application. Please address the following questions in your essay:

• Why do you want this degree?
• How will this degree help you meet your career goals?
• Offer an explanation of excessive (three or more) grades of D, F Q, N/G and/or Ws, if applicable.

Change of Major

Students are encouraged to contact an academic advisor on the change of major requirements. It is essential to understand the requirements before submitting a change of major request. Requests must be made by submitted in Howdy.

Graduate Student Admissions

Interested students may submit an application via Texas A&M University GraduateCAS. To learn more about the ECCB graduate program, reach out to an academic advisor at wfes.advising@ag.tamu.edu to schedule a either a virtual or in-person appointment.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Students at Texas A&M get a world-class education at a reasonable cost—and graduate with far less college-related debt than their peers at other universities. We award over $200,000 in scholarships annually to undergraduate students in the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology and support graduate students through scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, and travel and research grants. This funding is made possible by donors and supporters of the department including former students, family and friends, former faculty and industry sponsors.

Graduate Student Funding Opportunities

We understand that graduate education is an investment and one we don’t take lightly. ECCB and Texas A&M University offer competitive assistantships and fellowships to help alleviate the cost of higher education and make attending graduate school more affordable. Approximately 95% of current full-time, on-campus graduate students in ECCB are supported by departmental teaching assistantships, grant-based research assistantships, or internal and external graduate fellowships and grants, amounting to over $200,000 per year. Research and travel grants are also available from the department and university. Check with the Graduate and Professional School for details on opportunities available across the university.

Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships

The Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology offers graduate fellowships and teaching and research assistantships. These are available on a competitive basis to qualified individuals. ECCB invites nominations for graduate assistantships and fellowships available to qualified incoming graduate students matriculating each fall semester funds are available. Outstanding prospective doctoral students are given priority for awards. However, exceptional prospective master’s students (thesis-based) are also considered, where applicable. A call for prospective student nominations for available fellowships will be sent to faculty each fall for the following academic year.