Ecological Analysis Certificate

A student kneels on grass and injects acid into a water sample as his class watches.

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

Offered as: Certificate

Related Areas of Study: Ecology, Environmental Management

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

Offered as: Certificate

Related Areas of Study: Ecology, Environmental Management

The Graduate Certificate in Ecological Analysis is a fully online, self-paced 12-credit program designed for professionals and students seeking advanced skills in ecological data science, statistics, and programming. Through flexible, asynchronous coursework, you’ll gain the analytical tools needed to make sense of complex environmental datasets and inform real-world decision-making.

This certificate is open to current Master of Science in Ecology (MSE) and Master in Environmental Management (MEM) students, students from other graduate programs, and working professionals with a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Whether you work in conservation, wildlife biology, environmental consulting, or natural resource management, this certificate offers a fast, focused way to deepen your expertise, and your impact.

A woman holding some sort of sensor device scans the ground as she crouches in a meadow on Snodgrass Mountain.

Ecologists today are expected to not just collect data, but to translate it into insight. Yet many professionals lack formal training in ecological statistics, coding, or data visualization. This certificate bridges that gap.

You’ll learn how to use R, one of the most powerful and in-demand programming languages for ecological analysis, to model trends, evaluate environmental change, and communicate findings clearly to stakeholders. Whether you’re leveling up in your current role or preparing for your next move, this certificate gives you the tools to succeed in a data-driven world.

This certificate is perfect for:

Current graduate students seeking a competitive edge in environmental job markets
Mid-career professionals looking to sharpen their quantitative skills
Scientists, consultants, and managers working with ecological data
Lifelong learners interested in applied statistics and ecological modeling

No need to relocate. No need to hit pause on your career. Just rigorous, career-relevant training, on your schedule.

Yes. Current MS in Ecology and MEM students can combine the Ecological Analysis Certificate with their degree. Two of the certificate’s required courses, BIOL 606 (Quantitative Methods in Ecology) and BIOL 613 (Research Design), are already part of the MSE core curriculum and typically completed in the first year.

To complete the certificate, students just need to take BIOL 603 (Advanced Spatial Analysis) and BIOL 604 (Ecological Data Science) in their second year. This makes it a natural and efficient add-on to the MSE that can boost your skills in spatial analysis, ecological modeling, and data science without adding extra time to your degree.

Admissions, Cost & Requirements

Admission Overview: An undergraduate degree in Ecology or related program from a regionally accredited college or university. Completed undergraduate coursework should include algebra and introductory statistics with a grade of at least B-. Applications will be holistically reviewed by the MS in Ecology review committee to ensure appropriate placement and student success based on past achievement and potential. Applicants should submit the following materials:

Academic Transcripts

Submit official or unofficial transcripts from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial transcripts may be uploaded to expedite application review; however, official undergraduate transcripts will be required for formal acceptance. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Professional Resume

The professional resume should be up-to-date and highlight education and relevant work experience.

Personal Statement

The professional statement should outline interest in the certificate, applicant goals, and experiences.

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Program Information

Term	Credits	Tuition per Credit	Fees per Credit Hour*	Flat Fees**	Total Tuition & Fees
Year 1: Fall	6	$847	$73.40	$50	$5,572.40
Year 1: Spring	6	$847	$73.40		$5,572.40
Program Total	12				$11,094.80

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

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

A certificate is a shorter program focusing on a specific field of expertise rather than an entire course of study. It does not result in a degree, but it can be completed alongside your major or as a stand-alone credential. Certificates are a great way to enhance your knowledge, strengthen your resume, and gain practical experience in a particular field.

Program Requirements

Ecological data analysis
R programming
Statistical modeling
Data visualization
Experimental design
Computational data science

Wildlife or Fisheries Biologist
Conservation Data Analyst
Ecological Statistician or Modeler
Environmental Scientist or Consultant
Resource Management Specialist
Research Technician or Data Manager

Financial Aid

School of Graduate Studies Financial Aid & Scholarships

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

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MS in Ecology Fellowships, Grants, and Financial Aid

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.

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I’ve enjoyed working with the passionate, curious students in the Ecology program and watching them become professionals.

Dr. Susan Washko

Ecology

We are so excited about your interest in applying to Ecological Analysis! Please take a moment to review the application requirements and deadlines before accessing the application.

Apply to Ecological Analysis

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Common Questions

Common Searches

Academic Transcripts

Professional Resume

Personal Statement

Top Skills

Career Pathways

School of Graduate Studies Financial Aid & Scholarships

MS in Ecology Fellowships, Grants, and Financial Aid

Dr. Susan Washko

Verzuh Ranch: Where Conservation Meets Education

Western Graduate Students, Faculty Member Receive Distinguished Achievement Award

Western’s Clark School wins grant to help add value to internships

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

Susan Washko, PhD

Program Director

Graduate Program Facilitator

Dean of Clark Family School