Program Overview

Ecology & Conservation Biology

The B.S. in Ecology and Conservation Biology (ECCB) emphasizes the acquisition of fundamental ecological knowledge and its application to biodiversity conservation, environmental health, and the management of complex systems, such as interactions involving aspects of ecology from genes to ecosystems, landscapes, hydrology, and climate. Four tracks are offered to provide flexibility in preparing for a given career path: Ecology and Conservation Biology, Ecoinformatics, Forest Resources, and Vertebrate Zoology.

Tracks

• Ecology and Conservation Biology track: designed to meet the needs of students interested in pursuing careers with natural resource agencies, conservation and environmental organizations, environmental consulting firms, and education and research institutions as well as a graduate degree in natural sciences. Students enrolled in this track gain an understanding of the core body of knowledge and acquire the tools for understanding issues related to conserving, managing, and restoring species, habitats, and ecosystems in ecological concepts, ecological practices, human-environmental interactions, and biodiversity exploration and conservation.
• Ecoinformatics track: prepares graduates to become experts in integrating digital and information technologies, such as GPS, satellite and UAV imagery, and advanced field sensors with ecological data analysis in complex ecosystems to detect, evaluate, and predict ecological patterns, disturbances, and processes. The Ecoinformatics track provides students with training in theories and applications of ecological data analysis, natural resources and ecological modeling, and spatial information sciences that will prepare them for handling complex and interdisciplinary ecological datasets and understanding contemporary environmental challenges.
• Forest Resources track: builds on the ecology and conservation foundation of the ECCB major core. As such, it prepares students for a broad array of career opportunities, from that of a professional forester or natural resources specialist with government natural resource agencies, forest resources companies, conservation and environmental organizations, environmental or forestry consulting firms, urban forestry companies, and agencies. This track also prepares students to pursue a graduate degree in areas related to forest ecology and natural resources.
• Vertebrate Zoology track: tailored specifically for those ECCB students with a deep interest in vertebrates, their diversity, ecology, and conservation. This track permits the inclusion of courses specifically required by schools of veterinary medicine (pre-vet program). The Vertebrate Zoology track capitalizes on the collective experience of ECCB faculty in the areas of vertebrate ecology, evolution, genetics, anatomy, physiology, and behavior to provide a comprehensive understanding of vertebrate biology and ecology that will prepare students for professional studies, as well as careers within government and non-government agencies associated with the conservation and management of vertebrates.

Marketable Skills

• Conservation Scientist
• Ecologist
• Ecological Data Analyst
• Environmental Consultant
• Environmental Restoration Planner
• Environmental Scientist
• Forestry Consultant
• Veterinary or Medical School
• Zoologist

Career Ideas

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