Program Overview

Ecology and Environmental Science (B.S.)

The Ecology and Environmental Science program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between organisms and their environment. Ecology is the study of these interactions, while environmental science is the interdisciplinary study of how the earth works, how humans interact with the earth, and how to address environmental problems.

Program Overview

This program will be a good fit for students who:

• Enjoy working outdoors
• Enjoy working with plants, animals, and their habitats
• Enjoy working with others to resolve ecological questions and environmental issues
• Like the idea of a career in lab and/or field-based science
• Find research or teaching appealing

Career Opportunities

Possible career opportunities with this degree include:

• Environmental consultant
• Restoration ecologist
• Environmental scientist
• Research scientist

Recent Employers

Graduates have gone on to work at employers such as:

• State and municipal departments of natural resources
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Private consulting firms
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Internship Opportunities

Available internship opportunities include:

• Natural Resource Conservation Service
• Coteau Environmental Consulting
• South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
• South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Suggested Certificates, Dual Majors, and Minors

Suggested certificates include:

• Lobbying and Government Advocacy Certificate
• Global Agricultural Leadership Certificate
• Public Service Certificate
• Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Certificate

Suggested minors include:

• Chemistry Minor
• Sustainability Minor
• Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Minor
• Rangeland Ecology and Management Minor
• Botany Minor
• Animal Science Minor
• Geographic Information Sciences Minor

Suggested dual majors include:

• Conservation Planning and Park Management (B.S.)

Related Programs

Students may also be interested in:

• Natural Resource Law Enforcement (B.S.)
• Conservation Planning and Park Management (B.S.)
• Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences (B.S.)