Ecology is the study of organisms, including humans, and a diverse array of interactions with their environment. Ecologists work with organisms over a broad scale from bacteria in soils to landscape ecosystem processes. Ecologists inform us about threats to biodiversity due to invasive organisms, increased water system health through wetland filtration, organisms such as horseshoe crabs that provide vital medicine (hemolymph that treats leukemia) when we are at risk for diseases like Lyme disease, ways to protect our at-risk species so that we can bring them back like the Bald Eagle, ways to increase forest health, management solutions for agriculture and so much more. Graduating with a concentration in Ecology prepares you for a diversity of careers, including research, writing, policy, NGOs, consulting, government, and more.
Department Coursework
Coursework in this program includes a variety of courses that align with the Ecological Society of America. Courses include Zoology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biostatistics, Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, Animal Parasitology, Field Methods, Herpetology, Plant Physiology, Wildlife Management, Human Physiology, Ecology, and Undergraduate Research Experience. A lot of learning happens in the field with hands-on experience.