EECB is implemented as a "specialization" within existing graduate programs of the departments whose faculty participate in this program. While the EECB program is designed primarily for a doctor of philosophy degree, it also includes a master of science degree for students who wish to pursue positions such as might be available in state and federal forestry and wildlife conservation programs or in biological resource management positions with private organizations such as the Nature Conservancy.

Students accepted to the EECB graduate specialization have already been accepted into the graduate program of the various departments participating in the EECB program. Course work in statistics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, and ecology are considered most important for admission into the EECB program.