Conservation Ecology

Conservation Ecology is the study of the relationships of living things to the environment, how those relationships change through time, and how human activities augment or impair those relationships. Maintaining or restoring habitats to support natural patterns in biodiversity is an important practical application in this field. As humans continue to alter biodiversity in the environment, the need grows for well-rounded individuals who can present solutions to an increasing number of environmental problems.

Sterling’s Conservation Ecology major prepares students to be not only scientists but also artists and poets—that is, people who are able to study and understand the world from diverse points of view and use a variety of methods to create and communicate viable solutions to pressing problems. Students gain a strong understanding of ecological and evolutionary principles, as well as skills in effecting change. Through coursework, internships, and Senior Applied Research Projects, students develop confidence in their abilities to solve environmental problems.

Coursework allows students to build a working knowledge of resource policy, environmental monitoring, watershed management, and leadership techniques. Electives allow students to focus study on different areas such as forestry, wildlife management, natural interpretation, or environmental education. In all courses, study of the human relationship to nature is important. Electives in the humanities allow students to look at this in depth. Internships promote further development and application of critical skills. The Senior Applied Research Project entails working with an organization to identify a problem, propose solutions, and take at least one significant step toward solving the problem.

Our Conservation Ecology major is designed to prepare students for continuing study or careers in resource conservation. Graduates have found employment with government agencies, research stations, and nonprofit conservation organizations such as the United States Forest Service, Padre Island National Seashore, The Wilderness Society, and Chester County Conservation District.

Recent Internship Sites

Recent Senior Capstone Projects

Please visit the  Academic Catalog to review degree requirements