Ecosystem Restoration

Part of:

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

Offered as:

Certificate

Develop practical skills in ecological restoration through Western Colorado University’s 14-credit Ecosystem Restoration Certificate. Designed for graduate students and working professionals, this program combines field-based training with technical coursework in watershed health, wetland delineation, ecological monitoring and restoration planning.

Through hybrid courses, field workshops and applied learning, students gain experience with water quality assessment, soil monitoring, GIS and drone mapping, and process-based restoration techniques. Modular coursework offers flexibility for professionals balancing graduate education with work or seasonal field positions.

Ecosystem restoration is the process of helping degraded or damaged ecosystems recover their ecological health, functions and resilience.

Restoration professionals work across wetlands, watersheds, forests, riparian areas and other landscapes to address environmental degradation, improve ecosystem function and support long-term conservation.

Western’s Ecosystem Restoration Certificate focuses on the technical knowledge and practical methods used to assess environmental conditions, plan restoration projects and monitor ecological change.

Students explore how field data, ecological science and restoration techniques inform decisions about water resources, soils, vegetation and landscape health.

Western’s Ecosystem Restoration Certificate emphasizes practical, field-based learning designed around the needs of environmental professionals.

Located in Gunnison, Colorado, Western provides access to diverse mountain and Western Slope landscapes where students can explore ecological monitoring, watershed health and restoration challenges.

The program combines technical coursework with field workshops and hybrid learning opportunities, allowing students to develop specialized restoration skills while maintaining professional commitments.

Students can also explore restoration approaches informed by standards and principles established by the Society for Ecological Restoration, connecting their learning with established practices in the field.

As part of Western’s Master of Environmental Management (MEM), the certificate complements broader graduate study in conservation, sustainability and applied environmental management.

Credential: Graduate Certificate in Ecosystem Restoration
Credits: 14
Academic Focus: Ecological monitoring, wetland delineation, watershed assessment, soil health, GIS and restoration planning
Program Format: Hybrid coursework, modular courses and field-based workshops
Program Options: Available to MEM students, students in other graduate programs and qualified working professionals
Entry Terms: Fall and spring
Location: Western Colorado University, Gunnison, Colorado

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

Effective ecosystem restoration begins with understanding environmental conditions and selecting appropriate methods to support ecological recovery.

Western’s certificate introduces students to technical tools and field-based approaches used to assess ecosystems, plan restoration activities and monitor environmental change.

Explore methods for identifying, assessing and understanding wetland environments.

Students develop familiarity with wetland delineation, ecological indicators and the role wetlands play in watershed health, water quality and ecosystem function.

Examine the relationships among water resources, landscape conditions and ecosystem health.

Learn approaches to water quality sampling, watershed assessment and interpreting environmental data to inform restoration planning and monitoring.

Explore techniques for evaluating soil conditions, moisture and other environmental indicators.

Students examine how soil health and ecological monitoring contribute to understanding ecosystem degradation, recovery and long-term restoration outcomes.

Develop familiarity with geospatial tools used to assess landscapes and support environmental decision-making.

Explore how geographic information systems (GIS) and drone mapping can inform restoration site assessments, project planning and ecological monitoring.

Examine restoration approaches that work with natural ecological and hydrological processes.

Students explore how process-based restoration can support ecosystem function, improve watershed conditions and inform long-term management strategies.

Academic Opportunities

Headwaters Conference

This immersive conference connects students with experts to explore pressing environmental and social issues firsthand.
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Western’s Ecosystem Restoration Certificate connects technical coursework with practical environmental assessment and restoration methods.

Through field-based workshops and applied learning, students explore how to collect and interpret environmental data, evaluate ecosystem conditions and use monitoring results to inform restoration decisions.

These experiences help students understand how restoration techniques are applied in professional settings, from initial site assessment to long-term ecological monitoring.

"Rachel Weakland has dedicated her professional efforts towards environmental education and creating global leaders here in Colorado and abroad."

Rachel Weakland

An ecosystem restoration graduate certificate can support professional development in ecological restoration, conservation, environmental monitoring and natural resource management.

Potential career pathways include:

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

Professionals in these fields may work with conservation organizations, environmental consulting firms, government agencies, watershed groups and natural resource management organizations.

Through technical coursework and field-based learning, students develop skills in:

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

These skills support the assessment, planning and monitoring activities involved in ecological restoration projects.

Western’s Ecosystem Restoration Certificate is designed for graduate students and working professionals seeking specialized training in ecological assessment and restoration.

The program is particularly relevant for individuals working in:

Ecological restoration and conservation
Watershed and water resource management
Environmental consulting
Public lands and natural resource management
Environmental monitoring and field research
Land stewardship and restoration project management

The certificate is open to current MEM students, students in other graduate programs and working professionals with a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Whether you’re expanding your technical expertise or adding restoration skills to your existing graduate education, the program helps connect ecological knowledge with practical field applications.

An Ecosystem Restoration Certificate is a graduate credential focused on the technical methods used to assess, restore and monitor ecological systems. Western’s 14-credit program covers wetland delineation, watershed health, soil monitoring, GIS, water quality assessment and restoration planning.

Ecosystem restoration and ecological restoration are closely related terms that describe efforts to help degraded or damaged ecosystems recover. Ecological restoration commonly emphasizes recovering ecosystem structure, function and ecological processes, while ecosystem restoration is often used more broadly to describe restoring ecosystem health and services.

Yes. Western’s Ecosystem Restoration Certificate is available to qualified working professionals with a bachelor’s degree in a related field, as well as current MEM students and students enrolled in other graduate programs.

The program combines hybrid coursework with field-based workshops. Its modular structure is designed to provide flexibility for working professionals, although students should confirm any in-person requirements and scheduling details before enrolling.

Students explore wetland delineation, watershed and ecosystem health assessment, soil moisture monitoring, water quality sampling, GIS and drone mapping, and process-based restoration planning and implementation.

The certificate can support professional development in ecological restoration, environmental consulting, watershed management, conservation project management, ecological monitoring and natural resource management.

Process-based restoration focuses on supporting or restoring natural ecological and physical processes that help ecosystems function and recover. Rather than relying only on individual site improvements, these approaches consider how water, sediment, vegetation and other ecosystem processes interact over time.

The certificate is designed for graduate students and environmental professionals seeking practical restoration training, including individuals working in conservation, watershed management, environmental consulting, land stewardship, ecological monitoring and natural resource management.

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	7	$847	$73.40	$50	$6,492.80
Year 1 Spring	7	$847	$73.40		$6,442.80
					$12,935.60

*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
One-Time Matriculation Fee: $50.00. Applies once to new students in their first semester.

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

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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