Ecology and Conservation Biology - BS, Forest Resources Track

The Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology provides one of the most advanced educational opportunities available to prepare undergraduate students for leadership in the science and stewardship of terrestrial and aquatic ecological systems. The BS in ECCB degree will emphasize acquisition of fundamental ecological knowledge and its application to biodiversity conservation, environmental health, and the management of complex systems, such as interactions involving aspects of ecology from genes to ecosystems, landscape, hydrology, and climate. Four tracks (Ecology and Conservation Biology, Ecoinformatics, Forest Resources, and Vertebrate Zoology) are offered to provide flexibility in one’s chosen career path.

Forest Resources Track

The Forest Resource track builds on the ecology and conservation foundation of the ECCB major core. As such, it prepares students for a broad array of career opportunities, from that of a professional forester or natural resources specialist with government natural resource agencies, forest resources companies, conservation and environmental organizations, environmental or forestry consulting firms, urban forestry companies and agencies, or pursuing a graduate degree in natural resources. Students obtaining a degree in Ecology and Conservation Biology gain an understanding of ecological concepts and practices, human-environmental interactions, and principles of conservation. Students in the ECCB Forest Resources track also learn important concepts in forest biology and ecology, assessment, and management and are exposed to exciting areas of increasing importance such as climate change, forest fire management, remote sensing, forest insects and diseases, and forest genetics. Students may use free electives to broaden their experience outside of natural resources or to add additional courses of interest within the other ECCB tracks, including Education Abroad.