Among the topics that may be studied in ecology degree programs are: \n
\n- Ecology, evolution, and adaptation
\n- Terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems
\n- Costs and benefits of social behaviors
\n- Estimation of population density
\n- Adaptations of predators
\n- Food chains
\n- Global patterns of biological diversity
\n- Environmental issues and resource management
\n- Global warming
\n- Ecological field and lab techniques
\n
\n
Programs typically combine classroom instruction with laboratory activity and fieldwork.
", "display_order": 1, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:34.875531-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-10T15:17:20.976149-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 24, "page": 1, "title": "Program Options", "summary_markdown": "**Associate Degree in Ecology \u2013 Two Year Duration** \r\nGenerally, students who earn an associate degree in this field go on to apply their credits to a bachelor\u2019s program. At the associate level, students take foundational courses designed to prepare them for ongoing study. These include calculus, statistics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and technical writing. \r\n\r\nGraduates who choose to seek employment with an Associate Degree in Ecology may find work as research technicians, laboratory assistants, and field technicians. \r\n\r\n**Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Ecology \u2013 Four Year Duration** \r\nAt the bachelor\u2019s level, students develop the quantitative approach and analytical skills that the ecology field requires. Some programs may offer concentration options, such as *General and Applied Ecology*, *Aquatic Ecology*, and *Wildlife Management*. Other programs may not allow specialization until the graduate level. \r\n\r\nThe bachelor\u2019s curriculum includes independent research projects and courses like the following: \r\n\r\n- Conservation Biology \r\n- Animal Diversity \r\n- Principles of Wildlife Management \r\n- Current Topics in Aquatic Ecology \r\n- Climatology \r\n- Insect Biology and Control \r\n- Plant Ecology \r\n- Environmental Management \r\n- Forest Fire Management \r\n- Computer Programming for Life Sciences \r\n- Ecological Genetics \r\n\r\nWith a Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Ecology, graduates may go on to work as wildlife specialists, outdoor educators, game wardens, [park rangers](/careers/park-ranger/), and [conservation officers](/careers/fish-and-game-warden/).", "content_markdown": "**Master\u2019s Degree in Ecology \u2013 Two Year Duration** \r\nEcology graduate programs are targeted at individuals who wish to work in leadership roles in the field. The master\u2019s curriculum varies depending on students\u2019 choice of specialization and thesis topic. Here are some sample courses offered at this level: \r\n\r\n- Soil Ecology \r\n- Aquatic Communities and Ecosystems \r\n- Terrestrial Communities and Ecosystems \r\n- Forest Ecology \r\n- Quantitative Biology \r\n- Environmental Planning \r\n- Ecology of Individuals \r\n- Ecology of Populations \r\n- Problems in Ecology \r\n- Molecular Ecology and Evolution \r\n\r\nMaster\u2019s graduates may go on to become field ecologists, environmental planners and consultants, [wildlife biologists](//www.bytmann.com/careers/zoologist/), and natural resource managers. \r\n\r\n**Doctoral Degree in Ecology \u2013 Three to Five Year Duration** \r\nCoursework in Ph.D. programs in ecology is focused on independent research of the individual student\u2019s dissertation topic. Here are some samples of dissertation topics: \r\n\r\n- A study of how changing weather patterns have affected migratory habits of geese in Asia \r\n- The snow leopard of the Himalayas: a study of the conservation efforts \r\n- A study of the discovery of new species in the last 100 years \r\n- The fight against animal testing: what has been achieved in the last 50 years? \r\n- The effectiveness of commercial zoos in the conservation effort \r\n- The effect of industrial waste on wildlife conservation \r\n- The effect of wildlife conservation on legislature worldwide \r\n- The effect of climate change on wildlife conservation \r\n\r\nMany graduates with a Doctoral Degree in Ecology go on to work in academia as researchers and university professors.", "content_html": "
Master\u2019s Degree in Ecology \u2013 Two Year Duration
\nEcology graduate programs are targeted at individuals who wish to work in leadership roles in the field. The master\u2019s curriculum varies depending on students\u2019 choice of specialization and thesis topic. Here are some sample courses offered at this level:
\n
\n- Soil Ecology
\n- Aquatic Communities and Ecosystems
\n- Terrestrial Communities and Ecosystems
\n- Forest Ecology
\n- Quantitative Biology
\n- Environmental Planning
\n- Ecology of Individuals
\n- Ecology of Populations
\n- Problems in Ecology
\n- Molecular Ecology and Evolution
\n
\n
Master\u2019s graduates may go on to become field ecologists, environmental planners and consultants, wildlife biologists, and natural resource managers.
\n
Doctoral Degree in Ecology \u2013 Three to Five Year Duration
\nCoursework in Ph.D. programs in ecology is focused on independent research of the individual student\u2019s dissertation topic. Here are some samples of dissertation topics:
\n
\n- A study of how changing weather patterns have affected migratory habits of geese in Asia
\n- The snow leopard of the Himalayas: a study of the conservation efforts
\n- A study of the discovery of new species in the last 100 years
\n- The fight against animal testing: what has been achieved in the last 50 years?
\n- The effectiveness of commercial zoos in the conservation effort
\n- The effect of industrial waste on wildlife conservation
\n- The effect of wildlife conservation on legislature worldwide
\n- The effect of climate change on wildlife conservation
\n
\n
Many graduates with a Doctoral Degree in Ecology go on to work in academia as researchers and university professors.
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:34.877581-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-10T15:19:12.037772-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 24, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Ecology", "summary_markdown": "**Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture** \r\nDegree programs in this field teach students how to practise environmentally sustainable farming. Courses include soil science, animal science, plant science, and organic farming. \r\n\r\n**[Botany](/degrees/botany-degree/)** \r\nBotany is the study of the physiology, structure, genetics, ecology, distribution, classification, and economic importance of plants. Degree programs in the field include courses in biochemistry, microbiology, photosynthesis, and plant evolution. \r\n\r\n**[Conservation Biology](/degrees/conservation-biology-degree/)** \r\nConservation biologists apply biological principles to the preservation and rehabilitation of wildlife. They may be involved in enforcing hunting laws and in conservation education. \r\n\r\n**[Environmental Science](/degrees/environmental-science-degree/)** \r\nThe basis of this discipline is that all natural things interact. Individuals who earn a degree in environmental science develop plans to prevent, control, or find solutions to environmental issues, such as pollution. \r\n\r\n**[Fisheries Sciences and Management](/degrees/fisheries-sciences-and-management-degree/)** \r\nIndividuals with a degree in fisheries and aquatic science may run a fishery, research fishes and their environment, study fish spawning habits, or use their knowledge in aquarium settings.", "content_markdown": "**[Horticulture](/degrees/horticulture-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in this field teach the science and art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers, and/or ornamental plants. Horticulture students learn about plant biology and nutrition, soil science, and greenhouse and nursery management. \r\n\r\n**[Marine Biology](/degrees/marine-biology-degree/)** \r\nStudents who earn a degree in marine biology study marine organisms and their behaviors and interactions with the environment. \r\n\r\n**[Natural Resource Conservation](/degrees/natural-resource-conservation-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in natural resources and conservation teach students how to protect natural areas like forests, parks, and rangelands. Classes typically cover plant and animal identification and natural resources policy and administration. \r\n\r\n**[Zoology](/degrees/zoology-degree/)** \r\nZoology is the study of animals. Students in these degree programs learn about the anatomy, behavior, habitats, and evolution of animals.", "content_html": "
Horticulture
\nDegree programs in this field teach the science and art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers, and/or ornamental plants. Horticulture students learn about plant biology and nutrition, soil science, and greenhouse and nursery management.
\n
Marine Biology
\nStudents who earn a degree in marine biology study marine organisms and their behaviors and interactions with the environment.
\n
Natural Resource Conservation
\nDegree programs in natural resources and conservation teach students how to protect natural areas like forests, parks, and rangelands. Classes typically cover plant and animal identification and natural resources policy and administration.
\n
Zoology
\nZoology is the study of animals. Students in these degree programs learn about the anatomy, behavior, habitats, and evolution of animals.
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:34.879732-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-10T15:20:16.610484-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 24, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "- Analytical skills \r\n- Attention to detail / Accuracy \r\n- Patience \r\n- Problem-solving skills \r\n- Oral and written communication skills \r\n- Capacity to conduct fieldwork \r\n- Computer literacy \r\n- Report writing \r\n- Project management", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:34.881862-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-10T15:14:36.008901-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 24, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with an Ecology Degree?", "summary_markdown": "**Government** \r\nThe following national government agencies may hire ecologists: \r\n\r\n- US Department of Agriculture \r\n- US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) \r\n- US Fish and Wildlife Service \r\n- US Forest Service \r\n- US Inter-tribal Environmental Council \r\n- US National Park Service \r\n- US Natural Resources Conservation Service \r\n\r\nOpportunities may also exist with similar state agencies. \r\n\r\n**Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)** \r\nThe following are some of the environment-focused NGOs in the United States and worldwide with which ecologists may find employment: \r\n\r\n- Earthwatch \r\n- Environmental Defense Fund \r\n- Forest Stewardship Council \r\n- Freshwater Biological Association \r\n- Friends of the Earth \r\n- Greenpeace \r\n- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) \r\n- National Environment Research Council (NERC) \r\n- Rainforest Alliance \r\n- The Nature Conservancy \r\n- Wildlife Conservation Society \r\n- World Business Council for Sustainable Development", "content_markdown": "Roles for ecologists who work for government agencies or NGOs may include: \r\n\r\n- Wildlife/endangered species rehabilitation \u2013 trying to identify why some species are nearly extinct and looking for ways to save them \r\n- Natural resource management \u2013 finding environmentally responsible ways to use natural resources like water, soils, and minerals \r\n- Research \u2013 working to solve environmental problems and to advance environmental issues \r\n\r\n**Consulting** \r\nSome ecologists work as environmental consultants, either independently or with private consulting firms. In many cases, their primary responsibility is to ensure that development and infrastructure projects do not result in pollution of any kind or infringe upon local species and their ecosystem. They may also work in the area of restoration ecology, restoring ecosystems that have been damaged by human activities like mining or farming. \r\n\r\n**Education** \r\nIndividuals with an ecology degree and the appropriate teaching credential may teach the discipline. \r\n\r\n**Forestry** \r\nEcologists employed in the forestry industry survey forestlands and work to protect them from wildfires, insects and diseases, and excessive logging. \r\n\r\n**Zoos** \r\nZookeepers with an ecology background have the opportunity to both educate the public and partake in conservation.", "content_html": "
Roles for ecologists who work for government agencies or NGOs may include:
\n
\n- Wildlife/endangered species rehabilitation \u2013 trying to identify why some species are nearly extinct and looking for ways to save them
\n- Natural resource management \u2013 finding environmentally responsible ways to use natural resources like water, soils, and minerals
\n- Research \u2013 working to solve environmental problems and to advance environmental issues
\n
\n
Consulting
\nSome ecologists work as environmental consultants, either independently or with private consulting firms. In many cases, their primary responsibility is to ensure that development and infrastructure projects do not result in pollution of any kind or infringe upon local species and their ecosystem. They may also work in the area of restoration ecology, restoring ecosystems that have been damaged by human activities like mining or farming.
\n
Education
\nIndividuals with an ecology degree and the appropriate teaching credential may teach the discipline.
\n
Forestry
\nEcologists employed in the forestry industry survey forestlands and work to protect them from wildfires, insects and diseases, and excessive logging.
\n
Zoos
\nZookeepers with an ecology background have the opportunity to both educate the public and partake in conservation.
", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-08-29T17:56:34.884212-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-10T15:22:25.710063-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">
