Human Evolutionary Biology Major (BS)
About EBH
The EBH degree program is offered jointly by the Departments of Anthropology and Ecology and Evolution and results in a Bachelor of Science degree. Students majoring in this program will receive a strong background in the natural sciences, mathematics, statistics and anthropology, and will have the option to sample broadly or focus more directly on three subfields.
In the human evolution and morphology subfield, students will explore the paleontological, morphological, and cultural transitions that occurred during the evolution of the human lineage. In the subfield human and non-human primate genetics and genomics, EBH majors will examine genetic diversity, evolutionary relationships, and genetic adaptations in humans and their closest living relatives, non-human primates. Finally, courses in the evolutionary basis of behavior subfield will help students use an evolutionary framework to understand human and non-human primate behavior and its underlying physiology.
Courses are taught by world-renowned faculty in Anthropology and Ecology and Evolution, all conducting novel and exciting research in their fields. By the end of training, students will develop a background in evolutionary theory and important skills in critical thinking and scientific methods. Interested students should contact the EBH Director of Undergraduate Studies (contact information below).
Careers
A degree in Human Evolutionary Biology will prepare students for a number of post-graduate career paths. For example, many of the required courses are also prerequisites for entry into medical, dental, public health, allied health, and biotechnology schools. This degree program will also provide interdisciplinary training in the natural sciences and anthropology, thereby preparing students for continued training in graduate school for Master’s and Doctoral degrees. In addition, a background in Human Evolutionary Biology will open up opportunities for careers or professional education in teaching at the elementary or high school level and public policy in the governmental and non-governmental sectors.
Research Opportunities
EBH majors will have opportunities to participate in overseas field research and courses with the Turkana Basin Institute in Kenya and at Centre ValBio in Ranomafana, Madagascar. In addition, students will have a number of opportunities to conduct laboratory research with faculty members in Anthropology and Ecology & Evolution that specialize in each of the three EBH subfields.
Requirements
- The EBH program requirements can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog. The Director of Undergraduate Studies can provide more details about the program. See below for contact information.
- Contact the Academic Program Coordinator for a major requirements checklist. See below for contact information. They can also provide a requirements checklist for double majors.
- Students wishing to check their progress in the program should contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies or the Academic Program Coordinator. See below for contact information.
- All other requests (e.g., requirements for post-baccalaureate professional schools) should be directed to the Academic and Transfer Advising Services.
Courses
You can choose from a variety of courses related to human biology, evolution, genetics, biological anthropology, and related scientific fields. The listing of courses can be found on the University Registrar web page.
- Here is the Summer/Fall 2026 EBH course Permission Request Form.
- Here is the Summer/Fall 2026 ANT course Permission Request Form.
EBH Honors Program
The EBH honors program is designed for students preparing to continue on in health-related professional schools or graduate programs for Master’s and Doctoral degrees. A detailed description of EBH honors program requirements can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog (scroll down to Human Evolutionary Biology Honors Program).
EBH Program Contacts
EBH Director of Undergraduate Studies
Dr. James Rossie
Phone: (631) 632-5808
Email: humanevolbio@stonybrook.edu
EBH Academic Program Coordinator
Melissa Cohen
Phone: (631) 632-8604
Email: melissa.j.cohen@stonybrook.edu