The world needs a new kind of scientist: one whose ability to perform research with immediate relevance for solving problems is matched by their skills in collaborating with affected communities. These researchers produce accessible, socially just, and scientifically relevant results for utilization by both policymakers and the public while also striving for inclusivity within the scientific community. Western Colorado University’s M.S. in Ecology program provides contemporary scientific training to address pressing questions in the ecology, conservation, and management of the earth’s biota, landscapes, and ecosystems.
Program Overview
Immerse yourself in the natural and social ecosystems of the Gunnison Valley.
As a student in the M.S. in Ecology program, you’ll have a variety of opportunities that are unique to Western. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the program offers unparalleled access to public lands—including over 80 percent of the land surrounding Western’s picturesque campus. Students in the program conduct research in collaboration with local wildlife and land management agencies, ranchers, and researchers from the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory as well as from around the world.
You will also be provided the connections, knowledge and skills necessary to address critical information gaps at the local, regional and global levels, across a range of ecological systems vulnerable to human impacts including climate change.
Abundant research opportunities
Western’s M.S. in Ecology students have the unique opportunity to explore numerous public and private lands from the sagebrush and lush riparian “lowlands” to deep forests and rocky alpine crags. The land that surrounds campus, including six wilderness areas, is a vast and wild laboratory.
Program Requirements
At Western, course rotations are crafted to encompass a variety of subject fields for a comprehensive education and versatile degree. For required courses and degree plans, visit the official University Catalog. Below is a general overview of courses at Western Colorado University related to this area of study.
Admissions Criteria
- 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; and 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.
Program Prerequisites:
- BA or BS degree in biology or related field with college courses in Statistics and upper-level Ecology with minimum grade of B, completed prior to the student’s first fall in the program.
Program goals include:
- Improving student understanding of biology, particularly concepts in ecology, evolution, conservation, wildlife, and/or fisheries.
- Developing students’ capacities for basic and applied research in ecology, including acquiring information, developing methods, conducting sampling and data analysis, demonstrating scientific communication, and advancing broader impacts.
- Advancing the role of science in society, through training ecologists prepared to elevate the ability of agencies, organizations, and communities to address ecological problems.
- Enhancing opportunities for careers and advanced research in ecology.
All Master of Science in Ecology emphases require the Core Ecology MS Courses.
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Core Ecology MS Courses | ||
BIOL 606 | Ecological Research Methods | 3 |
BIOL 613 | Advanced Ecological Analysis | 3 |
BIOL 690 | Ecology MS Proposal Development | 3 |
BIOL 695 | Ecology/ Conservation Thesis Research | 3-9 |
or BIOL 696 | Fisheries/ Wildlife Thesis Research | |
Total Credits | 12-18 |
Ecology and Conservation Emphasis (beyond required Core courses)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
15-21 credits of the following electives to be chosen in consultation with thesis committee: | 15-21 | |
BIOL 620 | Ornithology | |
BIOL 622 | Mammalogy | |
BIOL 625 | Invertebrate Zoology with laboratory | |
BIOL 627 | Field Entomology | |
BIOL 630 | Wildlife Ecology and Management | |
BIOL 633 | Wildlife Population Analysis | |
BIOL 631 | WILDLIFE TECHNIQUES WORKSHOP | |
BIOL 640 | Conservation Biology | |
BIOL 652 | Botany | |
BIOL 653 | Rocky Mountain Flora | |
BIOL 662 | Evolution | |
BIOL 667 | Biology of Fishes | |
BIOL 668 | Ichthyology Laboratory | |
BIOL 670 | FISHERIES MANAGEMENT | |
BIOL 676 | Aquatic Ecology with lab | |
BIOL 681 | Forest Ecology | |
BIOL 692 | Independent Study | |
BIOL 697 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN ECOLOGY | |
ENVS 608 | ENVIRONMENTL POLITICS & POLICY | |
ENVS 611 | Integrative Skills for Environmental Management | |
ENVS 615 | From Climate Science to Action | |
ENVS 618 | PUBLIC LANDS MANAGEMENT | |
ENVS 623 | Studies in Environmental Management | |
ENVS 625 | Studies in Integrative and Public Land Management | |
Total Credits | 15-21 |
Conferral of the MS degree requires a total of 33 credits of 600-level coursework, each with a grade of a B- or above, and the completion and acceptance of an MS thesis.
Fisheries and Wildlife Management Emphasis (beyond required Core courses)
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
15-21 credits of the following electives to be chosen in consultation with thesis committee: | 15-21 | |
BIOL 620 | Ornithology | |
BIOL 622 | Mammalogy | |
BIOL 625 | Invertebrate Zoology with laboratory | |
BIOL 627 | Field Entomology | |
BIOL 630 | Wildlife Ecology and Management | |
BIOL 633 | Wildlife Population Analysis | |
BIOL 631 | WILDLIFE TECHNIQUES WORKSHOP | |
BIOL 640 | Conservation Biology | |
BIOL 652 | Botany | |
BIOL 653 | Rocky Mountain Flora | |
BIOL 662 | Evolution | |
BIOL 667 | Biology of Fishes | |
BIOL 676 | Aquatic Ecology with lab | |
BIOL 668 | Ichthyology Laboratory | |
BIOL 670 | FISHERIES MANAGEMENT | |
BIOL 681 | Forest Ecology | |
BIOL 692 | Independent Study | |
BIOL 697 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN ECOLOGY | |
ENVS 608 | ENVIRONMENTL POLITICS & POLICY | |
ENVS 611 | Integrative Skills for Environmental Management | |
ENVS 615 | From Climate Science to Action | |
ENVS 618 | PUBLIC LANDS MANAGEMENT | |
ENVS 623 | Studies in Environmental Management | |
ENVS 625 | Studies in Integrative and Public Land Management | |
Total Credits | 15-21 |
Conferral of the MS degree requires a total of 33 credits of 600-level coursework, each with a grade of a B- or above, and the completion and acceptance of an MS thesis.
Spotlight
Careers
Take the first steps toward your academic and personal growth.
Fostering your intellectual development is the primary focus of every academic program at Western. Our professors and Office of Career Services will help you identify your strengths, hone your skills, define your goals, and prepare for a fulfilling and enriched life after graduation.
News & Research
Additional Resources
Department Information
Clark Family School of Environment and Sustainability
Dean
Micah Russell, M.S.Assistant Professor of Environment and Sustainability, Integrative and Public Land Management Director; MEM Director
Program Facilitator
Lindsay DolezalProgram Facilitator and Grants Administrator
Campus Location
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81230