How long does the Ecology and Conservation concentration take?

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

Ecology & Conservation

On the bank of the Taylor River, two students kneel and sort insects into an ice cube tray.

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

Related Areas of Study: MS in Ecology, Applied Ecological Science

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

Related Areas of Study: MS in Ecology, Applied Ecological Science

The Ecology and Conservation concentration within Western Colorado University’s Master of Science in Ecology prepares students for careers in conservation science, ecological research, restoration, and ecosystem management. This thesis-based concentration emphasizes ecological theory, research design, scientific writing, and applied conservation.

Students explore topics such as molecular ecology, population ecology, community ecology, ecosystem ecology, conservation, restoration, and ecological modeling. With access to Colorado’s diverse landscapes, students develop the field, lab, and research skills needed to study ecological systems and address complex environmental challenges.

Ecology and conservation focuses on understanding ecosystems, species interactions, and environmental change while applying that knowledge to protect biodiversity and restore natural systems. Students in this field study ecological processes across organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems.

A graduate concentration in ecology and conservation prepares students to conduct original research, analyze ecological data, communicate scientific findings, and apply conservation science to real-world environmental issues.

The Ecology and Conservation concentration is designed for students who want a research-focused ecology pathway with broad flexibility. Students can specialize in areas such as wildlife systems, plant ecology, fire dynamics, climate interactions, restoration, biogeochemistry, or ecological modeling.

This thesis-based pathway provides strong preparation for careers in conservation science, ecological consulting, research, natural resource management, or future doctoral study.

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.
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Students in the Ecology and Conservation concentration complete a faculty-supported thesis grounded in original ecological research. From proposal development to final thesis defense, students receive mentoring as they design research questions, collect and analyze data, and communicate findings.

The 33-credit curriculum includes coursework in biology, ecological research methods, and scientific writing. Fieldwork opportunities in Colorado’s Rocky Mountain ecosystems provide a living laboratory for ecological discovery, restoration, and applied conservation.

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 ecology and conservation degree are prepared for careers in conservation science, ecological research, environmental consulting, restoration, and natural resource management. This thesis-based ecology pathway builds skills in fieldwork, research design, data analysis, GIS, scientific writing, and public communication.

Common career paths include:

Ecologist
Conservation Scientist
Wildlife Biologist
Environmental Consultant
Natural Resource Manager
Restoration Ecologist
Research Technician
GIS or Field Research Specialist

Graduates work in:

Conservation organizations
Government agencies
Environmental consulting firms
Research institutions
Land management agencies
Restoration organizations
Nonprofit environmental groups

Ecology and conservation focuses on studying ecosystems, species interactions, biodiversity, and environmental change while applying science to protect and restore natural systems.

Yes. The Ecology and Conservation concentration is a thesis-based pathway within the MS in Ecology. Students complete original ecological research with faculty support.

Graduates pursue careers in conservation science, ecological research, environmental consulting, restoration ecology, wildlife biology, and natural resource management.

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

Students build skills in ecological fieldwork, data analysis, research design, GIS and mapping, scientific writing, and public communication.

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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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msecology@western.edu

1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81230

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Research in Your Backyard

MS in Ecology Fellowships, Grants, and Scholarships

Graduate Financial Aid

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EMPLOYS: A Bridge Between Science and Management

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