What is applied ecology and environmental science?
Grazing grounds in northern Patagonia. Water flows in Iran. Glacial retreat in Peru or post-fire plant communities in the Alaskan Interior. Vegetation, soil, and amphibians in the vernal pools of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. A degree in applied ecology and environmental sciences from Michigan Tech—a top-ranked school for environmentally minded students—takes you where you want to be, working to sustain natural resources. If understanding, analyzing, and communicating the natural and human factors that affect ecosystems excites you, you will feel at home in our applied ecology and environmental sciences program.
What will I learn?
Fieldwork, teamwork, leadership, and professional development prepare you to meet contemporary environmental challenges head-on.
Your studies range across a broad field of disciplines covering ecological, social, and biotechnological aspects of natural resources conservation. You'll build strong working relationships with your professors and peers and find many opportunities, through social and intellectual interaction, to dive into subjects that matter most to you.
- Explore, measure, document, and analyze the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Bordered by Lake Superior, blanketed with forest and wetlands, our backyard is an ideal living lab.
- Make land-use decisions to enhance ecosystem composition, structure, and function.
- Collaborate with leading scientists to solve ecological and environmental problems.
- Learn how to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and be proficient in GPS, land measurement and remote sensing skills.
- Put your newfound skills and knowledge to work ASAP. After the first year of classes you'll be qualified to find a summer job in your field and start building your future career.
Where do applied ecology and environmental sciences students find jobs?
Graduates of the applied ecology and environmental sciences program work for the Environmental Protection Agency, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, state highway departments, environmental and restoration consulting firms, and state agencies involved in natural resources conservation. You can also pursue an advanced academic degree—many of our graduates do.
Learning Goals
At the completion of this degree students will be able to:
- Develop an in depth knowledge of the field of applied ecology and environmental science.
- Develop a strong set of field skills related to the management of natural resources.
- Effectively identify and evaluate sources of information relating to applied ecology and environmental science.
- Provide alternative solutions to situations or problems in applied ecology and environmental science.
- Communicate effectively (orally and in writing) about issues related to applied ecology and environmental science.
- Develop skills that ensure they behave with a high level of professionalism.
- Develop the ability to work effectively in teams.
No. 12 Best Small Colleges for Environmentally Minded Students
