School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science

Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences—BS

What is applied ecology and environmental sciences?

Applied ecology and environmental sciences is the integrated study of the ecological, social, and biotechnological aspects of natural resource conservation and management. If you like the prospect of protecting the integrity of our world’s ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources, then you are a good candidate for the applied ecology and environmental sciences program in the School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science at Michigan Tech.

What will I learn?

Find your niche with a program that emphasizes professional development, fieldwork, teamwork, leadership and communication, preparing you to meet contemporary environmental problems head-on. You will build strong working relationships with your professors and peers while gaining a diverse, hands-on technical background in applied ecology and environmental sciences by

  • assessing conditions of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the Keweenaw Peninsula, bordered by Lake Superior and blanketed with forest and wetlands;
  • making land-use decisions that enhance ecosystem composition, structure and function;
  • collaborating with leading scientists to solve ecological and environmental problems; and
  • working your skills and knowledge to find summer jobs after your first year of classes.

Applied Ecology and Environmental Science (BS) Learning Goals

  1. Students will develop an in depth knowledge of the field of applied ecology and environmental science.
  2. Students will develop a strong set of field and analytic skills related to the management of natural resources.
  3. Students will effectively identify and evaluate sources of information relating to applied ecology and environmental science.
  4. Students will provide and evaluate alternative solutions based on the scientific method to situations or problems in applied ecology and environmental science.
  5. Students will be able to communicate effectively (orally and in writing) about issues related to applied ecology and environmental science.
  6. Students will develop skills that ensure they behave with a high level of professionalism and an ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Names of Learning Goals

  1. Disciplinary knowledge
  2. Field and analytic skills
  3. Gathering information
  4. Solving problems
  5. Communication
  6. Professionalism and teamwork

What sets our program apart?

We are a learning community strongly rooted in both academia and industry. With a faculty that has been ranked first nationally in scholarly productivity, a 5,500-acre educational and research forest, strong connections to industry leaders and employers, and accreditation by the Society of American Foresters, the School is at the pinnacle of forest-resource higher education and research. In our enriching environment, students have many unique opportunities to cultivate their professional and personal development, including

  • Capstone—hands-on management of ecosystems
  • The FERM™—student Enterprise that provides advanced instruction in key forest-management tools, techniques, and technology
  • Integrated Field Practicum (Fall Camp)—unique experience that blends classroom study with hands-on, field-based learning opportunities and skills acquisition
  • TreeHouse—residential learning community for first-year students who share a hall with others in their major
  • Advanced instruction in ecosystem restoration, communications, biotechnology, and GIS

Where do applied ecologists and environmental scientists find jobs?

Graduates of the applied ecology and environmental sciences program have found employment with the Environmental Protection Agency, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, state highway departments, environmental and restoration consulting firms, and state agencies involved in the conservation of natural resources.