What is applied ecological science?

Applied ecological science uses ecological knowledge to solve real-world environmental problems through fieldwork, analysis, and science-based decision-making.

What can you do with an applied ecology degree?

Graduates pursue careers in environmental consulting, conservation planning, natural resource management, ecological restoration, environmental science, and land management.

How long does the Applied Ecological Science concentration take?

The Applied Ecological Science concentration is a 33-credit program designed to be completed in two years.

Applied Ecological Science

Q: Is this a thesis-based ecology program?

No. The Applied Ecological Science concentration is a non-thesis pathway that uses a capstone project instead of a traditional thesis.

A wide landscape shot of a student collecting insect samples on the Taylor River.

Part of: MS in Ecology, Clark Family School of Environment & Sustainability, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Master's Concentration

Degree: Master of Science in Ecology

Part of: MS in Ecology, Clark Family School of Environment & Sustainability, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Master's Concentration

Degree: Master of Science in Ecology

The Applied Ecological Science concentration is a non-thesis pathway within Western Colorado University’s Master of Science in Ecology. Designed for students who want to apply ecological science in professional settings, this concentration emphasizes ecological problem-solving, fieldwork, and practical application rather than traditional academic research.

Through a capstone project, coursework, and internship experience, students build advanced skills in ecological assessment, environmental analysis, and scientific communication while preparing for careers in natural resource management, policy, education, and conservation practice.

Applied ecological science focuses on using ecological knowledge to solve real-world environmental challenges. Unlike research-focused ecology programs, applied ecology emphasizes practical problem-solving, environmental assessment, field methods, and science-based decision-making.

Students in applied ecology programs often work in natural resource management, conservation planning, restoration, environmental consulting, and public policy, using ecological science to support sustainable environmental solutions.

The Applied Ecological Science concentration is designed for students who want advanced ecology training without a thesis requirement. This non-thesis ecology pathway emphasizes field-based learning, practical ecological problem-solving, and professional skill development.

Students prepare for careers in natural resource management, environmental consulting, conservation planning, education, and policy by building skills in ecological assessment, environmental monitoring, and science communication.

This concentration offers a flexible pathway for students who want to apply ecological science in professional settings rather than pursue academic research.

Real-World Experience in Ecology

Western’s experiential learning approach helps ecology students apply their scientific skills in real-world settings. Through field-based research, community partnerships, agency collaboration, and applied conservation projects, students gain practical experience that strengthens both their research portfolio and professional readiness.

Research in Your Backyard

Master of Science in Ecology students complete a thesis project of their choice, work with local partners, and apply for grant funding to transform their ideas into tangible outcomes.
Read More

Instead of a traditional thesis, students complete a capstone project designed to apply ecological science to real-world challenges. Working with faculty and professional partners, students develop projects that combine fieldwork, ecological analysis, and public communication.

The 33-credit curriculum includes coursework in ecology, biological sciences, and research methods, along with opportunities for independent study and graduate internships. Students gain practical experience in ecological systems, environmental assessment, and applied conservation work.

We can produce high-quality research and publish papers in scientific journals with our students. We’re out on the cutting edge of our field learning the things we don’t know yet.

Jonathan Coop, PhD.

Faculty, 2010 MS in Ecology

Graduates of an applied ecology degree are prepared for careers in natural resource management, environmental consulting, conservation planning, and ecological assessment. This non-thesis ecology pathway builds practical skills in fieldwork, ecological analysis, and environmental problem-solving.

Common career paths include:

Environmental Consultant
Conservation Scientist
Natural Resource Specialist
Ecological Restoration Specialist
Environmental Scientist
Climate Policy Analyst
Land Management Specialist

Graduates work in:

Government agencies
Conservation organizations
Environmental consulting firms
Land management agencies
Nonprofit organizations
Research and field-based organizations

No. This concentration is a non-thesis pathway that uses a capstone project instead of a traditional thesis.

Graduates pursue careers in environmental consulting, conservation planning, natural resource management, and ecological restoration.

The concentration is a 33-credit program designed to be completed in two years.

Yes. Students may complete internships and independent study as part of their applied learning experience.

Admissions, Cost & Requirements

Prerequisites

BA or BS degree in biology or related field with college courses in Statistics and upper-level Ecology with a minimum grade of B, completed prior to the student’s first fall in the program.

Application Materials

Admissions packages will include:

Academic transcripts
A resume outlining related research, leadership, and volunteer experience
A statement of purpose describing the student’s intellectual and professional interests in ecology
Three letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors in related fields
Applicants are expected to have been in contact with a faculty advisor prior to submission of application

Application review will begin February 1, with initial acceptance and offers soon thereafter. Later applications may be considered on a rolling basis, depending on faculty availability. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us.

Apply Now
Program Information

Period	Credits	Tuition per Credit	Fees per Credit Hour*	Flat Fees**	Total Tuition & Fees
Year 1: Fall	9	$847	$73.40	$50	$8,333.60
Year 1: Spring	9	$847	$73.40		$8,283.60
Year 1: Summer	3	$847	$73.40		$2,761.20
Year 2: Fall	6	$847	$73.40		$5,522.40
Year 2: Spring	6	$847	$73.40		$5,522.40
Total	33				$30,423.20

*Mandatory graduate student fees per credit hour
Graduate Studies Administrative Operations Fee: $63.00
Library Fee: $6.50
IT Services Fee: $3.90

**Mandatory graduate student flat fees
New Student Matriculation Fee: $50.00

Biology Course Flat Fees	Fee
BIOL 620: Ornithology	$70.00
BIOL 622: Mammalogy	$20.00
BIOL 625: Invertebrate Zoology	$50.00
BIOL 627: Field Entomology	$50.00
BIOL 630: Wildlife Ecology	$110.00
BIOL 631: Wildlife Techniques Workshop	$100.00
BIOL 652: Botany	$25.00
BIOL 653: Rocky Mountain Flora	$55.00
BIOL 668: Ichthyology	$45.00
BIOL 670: Fisheries Management	$40.00
BIOL 676: Aquatic Ecology	$50.00
BIOL 681: Forest Ecology	$50.00
BIOL 697: Geomorphology	$75.00
BIOL 697: Environmental Geochemistry	$50.00

A master’s degree is an advanced qualification earned after completing a bachelor’s degree. It focuses on a specific area of study and provides specialized knowledge and skills. This differs from a concentration, which is a more focused area within the master’s program. Your concentration determines the specialized courses you take, shaping your expertise in a particular field. To complete a master’s degree, students must fulfill core coursework, elective requirements, and often a final project, thesis, or practicum.

Program Requirements Degree Plan

Fellowships, Scholarships, & Financial Aid

MS in Ecology Fellowships, Grants, and Scholarships

Explore a variety of fellowships, grants, and scholarships available to support your MS in Ecology at Western Colorado University. Opportunities include teaching assistantships, digital internships, social media fellowships, and statistics peer tutor positions.

Learn More

Graduate Financial Aid

Graduate students at Western receive financial support from various sources, including personal savings, loans, scholarships, fellowships, and graduate assistantships. Learn more ways to offset these costs through financial aid opportunities.

Learn More

We are so excited about your interest in applying to the MS in Ecology! Please take a moment to review the application requirements and deadlines and then access the application.

Apply Now

Related News

Low Snowpack Kindles More Severe Wildfires, Western Study Finds

Across much of the Rocky Mountain West, a winter of record-breaking high temperatures and historically low snowfall has forced people to think about having less…
Read More
EMPLOYS: A Bridge Between Science and Management

To the untrained eye, the stretch of Tomichi Creek that runs through Western’s Coldharbour Ranch looks pretty natural as it snakes back and forth between…
Read More
A Burning Question: Western Colorado University researchers challenge long-held assumptions about wilderness, fire, and what it means to care for a landscape

For decades, managing federal wilderness meant keeping our hands off and letting nature take its course, even when there were signs of trouble. But a…
Read More

msecology@western.edu

1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81230

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

K

L

M

N

O

P

R

S

T

U

W

Common Questions

Common Searches

Research in Your Backyard

MS in Ecology Fellowships, Grants, and Scholarships

Graduate Financial Aid

Low Snowpack Kindles More Severe Wildfires, Western Study Finds

EMPLOYS: A Bridge Between Science and Management

A Burning Question: Western Colorado University researchers challenge long-held assumptions about wilderness, fire, and what it means to care for a landscape

Rebecca Anderson

Jared Balik, PhD

Ian Breckheimer, PhD

Hannah M. Carroll, PhD

Jonathan Coop, PhD

Jennie DeMarco

Lindsay Dolezal

Derek D. Houston, PhD

Madelon Van de Kerk, PhD

Patrick Magee, BA, PhD

Micah Russell, MS, PhD

Ricardo Vazquez-Perales, PhD

Susan Washko, PhD

Program Director

Graduate Program Facilitator

Dean of Clark Family School