Ecology and Environmental Science (B.S.)

Program Coordinator/Contact

Alexander (Sandy) Smart, Assistant Head and Professor
Bruce Eichhorst, Instructor
Department of Natural Resource Management
Edgar S. McFadden Biostress Laboratory, Room 139C
605-688-6121

Program Information

The Ecology and Environmental Science major includes a strong core in biological and physical sciences and a variety of elective courses that allow students to follow different career paths within the major. Most students enrolled in this major are planning careers with state and federal natural resource agencies, consulting firms and industry. Predefined emphases are available to support careers in ecological informatics and analysis, watershed management, ecology, analytical laboratory analysis and health.  Students seek employment with state or federal environmental monitoring and regulatory agencies or private consulting firms immediately following graduation.  Many go on to pursue graduate degrees in conservation, ecology and environmental science.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Ecology and Environmental Science major, students will:

• demonstrate understanding of ecological and environmental principles required for management of natural resources for multiple-uses, including (but not limited to) wildlife habitat, water management, ecosystem services, recreation and livestock production;
• describe how natural resource management fits into the context of society and how societal factors (e.g., economics, policy, laws, regulations, attitude, behaviors, norms) influence natural resource management;
• demonstrate the ability to lead and work with others as appropriate to successfully manage natural resources;
• demonstrate appropriate use of natural resource field and lab techniques as well as contemporary technologies;
• demonstrate the ability to appropriately analyze and critically evaluate data and other information;
• demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate (both written and orally) with both scientific and non-scientific audiences; and
• demonstrate an understanding of the professional and ethical responsibility that is imperative of a natural resource manager.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Ecology students within this program may gain certification through the Ecological Society of America upon completion of degree requirements. Curricula are designed so that upon completion, ecology students may become an Ecologist in Training through the Ecological Society of America.

Course Delivery Format

Ecology and Environmental Science coursework is delivered on-campus in lecture, discussion, and laboratory settings, and off-campus in numerous field-based settings.