Ecology

The ecology major is designed to give students a thorough understanding of our natural environment, the life forms that exist within it and the way they interact with one another. Ecology majors also equip students with knowledge of how people affect the natural environment, how living things change and evolve due to various circumstances and environmental changes and how we can play a role in preserving our natural surroundings. Students will also learn the importance of conservation. Ecology classes are science-heavy, including the physical and biological sciences. Some courses you may encounter in an ecology major might include: anthropology, evolution & ecology, organic chemistry, physics, biology, calculus, biodiversity, geology and botany.

Students who are environmentally-conscious and concerned about humanity’s impact on the natural environment should consider majoring in ecology. It is also a good major for those who wish to pursue careers in green industries, either on principle or because of the demand for such careers. Those who major in ecology will have better job prospects if they double-major in another area or continue their studies at the graduate level. Potential careers for ecology majors include: park rangers, foresters and forestry technicians, environmental scientists, environmental engineers and wildlife engineers. There are also a number of careers in the nonprofit realm, in politics, and in education that require a strong background in ecology.