Bachelors In

Ecology Degrees

The complete guide on what you’ll learn, job prospects, university programs, and saving time and money.
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Why We Love It

  • $54,970
    Potential Avg. Salary*
  • Growing Demand
    Job Outlook

* Salary & growth data is based on the recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics data published at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333031.htm for 33-3031 Fish and game wardens 11/2021. Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.

If you’re fascinated by plant and animal life, interested in developing a deep understanding of geography and geology, and concerned about the environment, then a bachelor of science in ecology may be right for you.

Ecology is the scientific study of how lifeforms on Earth interact and impact each other, and graduates commonly work in environmental research, conservation, and preservation roles.

What is a Degree in Ecology?

Ecology majors spend their days learning about the ecosystems and organisms of the planet, working to understand how each interact, work together, and work against each other. Students take courses in natural, physical, and life sciences to understand the science and sociology of ecological concerns.

In many programs, students are able to choose an area of concentration. Concentrations allow students to focus on a specific discipline within the field and often include wildlife management, earth systems, and oceanography.

The study of ecology offers a broad overview of many earth sciences, so it prepares graduates for careers in a very diverse set of fields. Students study animal science, enabling them to find careers in animal protection, research, and caregiving roles.

They study natural sciences like geology and geography, enabling them to conduct scientific research as climatologists, oceanographers, and volcanologists. They also take coursework in sustainability, allowing them to excel in environmental protection and conservation roles.

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What Courses Would I Take For a Major in Ecology?

  • Evolution
  • Genetics
  • Biometry
  • Plant Ecology
  • Conservation Biology
  • Restoration Ecology
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Environmental Modeling

What Jobs Can You Get with a Degree in Ecology?

Environmental concerns have been at the forefront of public concern in recent decades, and this has created an increased demand for advocates, researchers, and practitioners in environmental and wildlife protection roles.

For this reason, there should be many opportunities for graduates of ecology programs to put their knowledge to use after graduation. Graduates may find work for nonprofit conversation agencies, working in zoos or with wildlife, or in scientific research roles after earning a graduate degree.

How Long does it take?

A bachelors in Ecology will have a typical length of 4 years in a full time schedule. That said, there are many ways to speed up the timeframe by either taking more units via online coursework, community college, or taking free classes at OnlineDegree.com that could transfer to universities in the US.

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Best Jobs for Ecology Degrees

Because ecology crosses so many disciplines, graduates of ecology programs have a lot of flexibility when choosing careers. They can work in wildlife protection or caregiving roles, or they can focus on environmental protection in education and advocacy careers.

Additionally, an ecology degree is a good basis for graduate school for students to find careers in scientific research, lawyer, or professor roles.

How to save time and money

Our mission is to help you to avoid paying full price for college. We want your Ecology degree to be affordable and accessible. Here’s how you could save:

Create Your Free SmartPlan

There are many ways to make college affordable and accessible.

That’s why we created a helpful tool called SmartPlan.

It’s free, and helps you find potential ways to save and tons of information about each school you’re considering

Think of it as your “college blueprint”, to help you instantly craft a path to your degree:

  • Which Colleges Match Your Needs
  • Ways You Could Save Time & Money
  • Free Courses You Could Take for Credit
  • Valuable Data and Insights on Each College
  • Detailed Steps You Should Take!

See what’s possible for you and generate a free plan within just a few minutes

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Many visitors who look for a degree in Ecology are also interested in the following degrees.

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