Ecosystem Restoration

A student kneels as she collects a water sample in a pond during a chemistry class field trip.

Part of: Master in Environmental Management, School of Graduate Studies, Clark Family School of Environment & Sustainability

Offered as: Certificate

Related Areas of Study: Environmental Management

Part of: Master in Environmental Management, School of Graduate Studies, Clark Family School of Environment & Sustainability

Offered as: Certificate

Related Areas of Study: Environmental Management

The Ecosystem Restoration Certificate is a 12-credit graduate program within Western’s Master in Environmental Management (MEM). Designed for graduate students and working professionals, this certificate builds technical skills in water resource assessment, ecological monitoring, and hands-on restoration techniques.

You’ll gain real-world experience through field-based workshops and hybrid courses focused on applied restoration. Topics include wetland delineation, soil and watershed health, GIS and drone mapping, and more. Courses are modular and designed for flexibility, making it easier to balance your education with work or seasonal field jobs.

This certificate is open to current MEM students, students from other graduate programs, and working professionals with a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Whether you’re adding a technical skill set to your existing degree or advancing your career in ecosystem restoration, this program gives you the tools to lead with expertise in one of today’s most urgent environmental fields.

Two Ecology students study samples inside basket while wading in the Gunnison River.

The Ecosystem Restoration Certificate was built for people working in environmental fields who want specialized, practical training. Whether you’re managing land, monitoring watershed health, or supporting policy and planning work, these courses give you the tools to lead technical restoration efforts in the field.

With growing demand for applied restoration knowledge in the West and limited options for training on Colorado’s Western Slope, this program fills a critical gap. You’ll graduate with in-demand skills and the option to align your work with standards set by the Society for Ecological Restoration.

Expect hands-on learning in key areas like water quality sampling, soil and ecosystem health monitoring, GIS for restoration, and applied aquatic ecology. You’ll complete four core courses, with options to pursue additional electives that support professional certification goals.

Courses are modular and offered in accessible formats—perfect for agency personnel, planners, technicians, and current MEM students. You’ll work alongside a motivated cohort of professionals and students who care deeply about environmental recovery, sustainability, and leading positive change in landscapes and communities.

Admissions, Cost & Requirements

Applications will be holistically reviewed by certificate faculty to ensure appropriate placement and student success based on past achievement and potential. Entry into the program will mirror the Master of Environmental Management admissions process, with both fall and spring semester entry possible. A baccalaureate degree in environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field from an accredited college or university, with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or appropriate work experience and background required.

Submit:

• Official undergraduate or graduate transcript
• A resume or CV
• One-page professional intentions statement outlining student goals and experiences

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Program Information

Period	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
					$11,094.80

*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

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

Wetland Delineation
Watershed & Ecosystem Health Assessment
Soil Health & Moisture Monitoring
Water Quality Sampling & Interpretation
GIS & Drone Mapping for Restoration
Process-Based Restoration Planning & Implementation

Environmental Technician
Restoration Ecologist
Water Resources Specialist
GIS Analyst
Land Use Planner
Conservation Project Manager

Fellowships, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Fellowships

Western’s MEM program offers graduate fellowships that reduce tuition, strengthen partnerships, and enhance career prospects for selected students. Fellowships are awarded based on the quality and number of applicants each year.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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

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