Ecology Degree

Ecology is the scientific study of living organisms and their environments; or the study of environmental systems as a whole. The study of ecology is a branch of biology which deals with the understanding of complex relationships and roles of individual organisms and elements. The field of ecology offers individuals the chance to further study and explore the planet’s diverse ecosystems, organisms and animals, as well as the environment.

For students interested in the field of ecology, degrees are offered at the bachelor’s, graduate certificate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

An ecologist is someone who is concerned with, and specializes in the study of ecosystems as a whole. This involves a study of each constituent element of a particular ecosystem including every organism that inhabits it and the various other components of the ecosystem, including plants.
Due to the diversity of our planet’s ecosystems, an ecologist has a large number of choices when it comes to which particular ecosystem and branch of ecological study they would like to specialize in. Depending on their particular area of expertise, ecologists frequently carry out field work, collect samples, and complete a number of other tasks in relation to that particular area.
Ecology is a dynamic, challenging, and rewarding field of study. Students can expect to not only learn theoretical and scientific information in a class-room setting, but also engage in hands on learning through extensive lab work and internships
The study of ecology is important for a number of reasons: it is a starting point when dealing with conservation; it emphasizes on the relationship of each component of an ecosystem, and allows us to gain a greater understanding and devise more effective action plans when dealing with important issues such as climate change.

Ecology degree programs are available at a variety of different educational levels, depending on what your precise career objectives are. Due to extensive research and laboratory work necessary with these courses, there are no exclusively online ecology programs available. There are however, certain hybrid programs which students may consider. You would need to do some further research into these options if it is something you would be interested in.

For an individual aspiring to pursue a career in ecology, an undergraduate degree with a focus in this particular branch of biology is a good place to start. With this degree, individuals have the option of pursuing a variety of entry-level positions in the field, which may include work as a laboratory assistant.
The degree offers students the requisite knowledge required to understand complex ecosystems and the interactions of their individual components with each other. Coursework at this stage is intended to give students an initial understanding of principles of biology, chemistry, and mathematics.  Students can also expect to spend a considerable amount of time carrying out lab work in order to understand processes that include the life cycles of cells, organisms, and bacteria.
Undergraduate degree programs can be customized to meet your specific career goals. Concentrations are offered in areas such as human ecology, landscape, and conservation.
Entry Requirements
The specific set of entry requirements are liable to vary by school. Generally, students will be required to submit the following:

• A high school diploma or GED with a specific GPA
• SAT scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Students are encouraged to have taken courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics

Curriculum
Courses typically offered in these programs include:

• Agroforestry
• Climate change
• Urban habitats
• Taxonomy
• Evolutionary processes

Graduate certificates in ecology can be taken in a number of different areas ranging from conservation to freshwater ecology. These programs are intended to give students an understanding of that particular aspect of ecology. Programs often have extensive research components.
Entry Requirements
To gain admission into a graduate certificate program, applicants must have:

• a bachelor’s degree
• letters of recommendation
• acceptable GRE scores

If you choose to pursue a master’s degree at some point in the future, the credits from the graduate certificate may be transferrable to your master’s degree credit requirements.
Curriculum
It must be noted that the exact coursework and curriculum of graduate certificate programs will be determined according to the particular area of concentration of the program
The following are some examples of courses being offered in certain graduate certificate programs:

• Environmental health laws
• Wildlife conservation
• Primate diversity
• Theories of evolution
• Sustainability

A Master’s degree in ecology offers students the chance to survey a large number of different ecosystems and gain a thorough understanding of the interactions which take place within them. This specialized and in-depth training in ecology enables graduates to effectively implement conservation efforts and further the understanding of rich ecosystems.

Entry Requirements
The specific requirements for entry into a Master’s program, may vary, however, the following are generally required:

• A bachelor’s degree in a related discipline
• Letters of recommendation
• Some universities may require applicants to have a certain amount of professional experience in the field

Curriculum
Students can expect to take the following courses:

• Epidemiology
• Animal behavior
• Water resources
• Marine biology

A Ph.D. in ecology is an interdisciplinary study of a number of different components of environmental sciences. These include geology, biological sciences, botany, microbiology, and entomology. Students gain a holistic understanding of ecology and are then ready to carry out their research project.
Entry Requirements
To be admitted into a Ph.D. program, candidates must:

• Have completed their bachelor’s and master’s degree in a related field of study
• Have professional experience. Some universities may ask for it
• Submit letters of recommendation

Curriculum
Coursework at this stage of study normally includes courses such as:

• Physiological ecology of plants
• Ecophysiology
• Bioclimatography
• Genetics and conservation
• Landscape management
• Research design
• Habitat data analysis
• Population ecology
• Ecology principles

Ecologists have a wide range of job opportunities they can choose to explore once they graduate from university. Qualified ecologists have the option of working in positions in the government, academia, or research. There is also work to be found in private consulting firms as environmental analysts, or in non-governmental organizations. 
For those individuals who have secured a certain amount of professional experience and education, The Ecological Society of America offers certification for professional development.
Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that in 2012 the following professionals earned an annual median salary of:

• Environmental Scientists and Specialists - $63,570
• Environmental Science and Protection Technicians - $41,240
• Conservation scientists and foresters - $59,060
• Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists - $57,710
• Forest and Conservation Workers - $24,340

Ecology is a branch of biology which focuses on gaining an understanding and appreciation for the complexity of Earth’s ecosystems. These dynamic ecosystems house a large variety of plants and animals which have important interactions with each other as well as with surrounding ecosystems. The interconnectedness of these ecosystems and the effect they have on our planet’s health and vitality make the study of ecology not only exceptionally important but also exceptionally interesting. Depending upon your specific career goals and objectives, you could choose to pursue a degree in ecology at one of a number of different educational levels.

States with the highest employment level in this occupation:

Source: bls.gov

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Ecology Degree?

Many schools in the US, such as Colorado State University, University of York, Sacramento State University and the California University of Pennsylvania, are offering Ecology programs. Students can enroll in a Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation which will take 2 years to complete. They can also enroll in 1 to 2 year long Master of Science (M.S) in Ecology, or a 5 to 6 year long Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Ecology and Evolution.

What Are the Requirements to Complete an Ecology Degree?

The Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation requires students to complete approximately 120 credit hours. The coursework includes a range of topics such as Plant Taxonomy, Plants and Civilization, Plant Anatomy and Physiology, Developmental Biology, Principles of Fisheries Biology, and Conservation Biology, and Wildlife Management. Students have to attend both classroom sessions and practical lab sessions in order to complete the degree.

How Much Can I Make after Completing an Ecology Degree?

After completing an Ecology degree, individuals can land jobs as Environmental Consultants, Park Naturalists, Restoration Ecologists, and Natural Resource Managers. Employment statistics show that Conservation Scientists earned $61,340 in 2018 as annual median income. Estimates indicate that the job opportunities for these workers will rise by 3% from 2018 to 2028. These employment figures have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.