The Ecology concentration in the Environmental Science major provides groundwork in ecological principles and familiarizes students with how living organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems interact with their environments. Students in this concentration will study agricultural and aquacultural impacts on the environment, use of plants to clean up the environment, global change, and management of freshwater and marine systems. Graduates will be prepared for work as research scientists, land and water managers, conservation advocates, community educators, or consultants. This concentration is also excellent preparation for graduate studies in geography, global change, or public policy. Some of the job titles listed below may require an advanced degree.
Potential Career Areas:
- Conservation
- Research
- Education
- Advocacy
- Planning
- Management
- Policy
- Communications
Sample Employers:
- Nonprofit organizations
- Science centers/museums
- Research institutes
- Outdoor education programs
- Colleges and universities
- Botanical gardens
- Government agencies
- Park and forest services
- Businesses
- Development and planning firms
Sample Job Titles and National Salary Ranges:
| Job Title | Salary Range |
|
Research Associate
|
$23,600 - $60,700
|
|
Industrial Ecologist
|
$37,900 - $61,700
|
|
Conservation Scientist
|
$36,000 - $59,300
|
|
Ecologist
|
$43,500 - $61,500
|
|
Field Teacher/Naturalist
|
$20,000 - $40,000
|
|
Ecological Restoration Instructor
|
$25,000 - $50,000
|
|
Environmental Activist
|
$18,000 - $47,000
|
|
Public Information Officer
|
$30,600 - $52,100
|
|
National Park Service Employee
|
$27,431 - $33,979
|
|
Environmental Planner
|
$36,000 - $87,000
|
|
Policy Analyst
|
$39,000 - $108,000
|
|
Sustainability Specialist
|
$33,800 - $62,400
|
|
Range Scientist
|
$30,000 - $80,000
|
|
Natural Resources Technician
|
$22,000 - $49,000
|
Sources of Information: United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010); DISCOVER (2011); Facts on File: Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center (2011).