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Conservation Ecology Field Work
Ecological knowledge is the foundation of sound, sustainable environmental policy, management, conservation, education and advocacy.

How do natural ecosystems function, and what is the distribution of biodiversity across Earth’s surface? How do humans impact ecosystems? How can we effectively address the concurrent crises of climate change, habitat loss and species extinction? In the Ecosystem Science and Management specialization at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), you will explore these questions and learn about natural systems in both classroom and experiential settings. You will also master the technical and quantitative skills necessary for their study, and learn how to apply them to solve complex environmental management problems, preparing you to become both a scientist and a successful sustainability practitioner. 

With a focus on experiential field-based learning, this environmental master's program will prepare you to become a change-driven scientist capable of developing novel approaches to the sustainable environmental management of wildlands, protected areas and aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

 

WHY ECOSYSTEM SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT?

Students gain skills and expertise through engagement in a rigorous, exciting academic environment as well as through field-based learning in ecosystems around the world. Learn from renowned and passionate researchers in a setting that facilitates academic growth with the freedom to focus your environmental science coursework around a specific topic or blend classes and experiences to create a truly interdisciplinary experience. Areas of focus include:

  • Landscape Ecology: Study how different land uses—agriculture, urban, residential, forest and natural—affect ecological systems.
  • Global Change Biology: Understand the biosphere’s responses to human activities, such as climate shifts, land-use conversion, the release of pollutants and species introductions.  
  • Quantitative Methods in Environmental Science: Acquire the fundamental quantitative literacy to correctly evaluate and interpret ecological data.
  • Conservation GIS: Study the effective use of GIS across multiple fields in conservation, including forestry, wildlife mapping, aquatic resources, ecosystem management and regional planning.
  • Ecosystem Science and Management: Link the scientific understanding of ecosystems with the challenges inherent in sustainable management and of the societal benefits they support. 
  • Ecological Engineering: Combine the principles of ecology and engineering to predict, design, construct or restore, and manage ecosystems.
  • Decision Making and Risk Analysis: Identify and manage potential problems that could undermine key initiatives or projects, while building critical decision-making skills.

CURRICULUM

In Ecosystem Science and Management classes, labs and fieldwork, you will study local, regional, national and international environmental issues ranging from urban settings to wilderness areas. You will learn the fundamental concepts and techniques—such as GIS, resource management and field sampling—necessary for the study of ecosystems and environmental management, as well as how to apply them to solve complex problems, preparing you to become both a scientist and sustainability practitioner in the field. 

Requirements & Courses

CAREERS AND SELECT EMPLOYERS

Graduates of the Ecosystem Science and Management field of study are well prepared to work in research, management, restoration, consulting, and education within government, nonprofits, environmental consulting agencies, and private corporations. Specific positions include fisheries biologists, limnologists, ecologists, remote-sensing specialists, wetlands ecologists, and natural resource managers, just to name a few. Some of our graduates also continue into PhD programs and get academic jobs at institutions of higher education.

For more information on the Ecosystem Science and Management master's field of study, visit the Ecosystem Science and Management track careers page or contact [email protected].

Brittany Bennett
The interdisciplinary focus was crucial to my success in securing a position at the EPA. It was my diverse background in ecology, communications, and policy that set me apart from the rest.
Brittany Bennett ’15
Ecologist, Environmental Protection Agency

Featured Course

Conservation Biology

This course is designed to prepare future practitioners in evidence-based conservation of biological diversity. As a context for conservation actions, we critically review what is known about the causes of current biodiversity loss and the likely consequences of that loss for ecosystem functions and services.

 

Other Popular Courses

Soil Ecology
Ecology of Fishes
Forest Ecology and Management
Sample Employers + Professional Skills
Water quality research, CIGLR
I chose SEAS first for its world-class interdisciplinary curriculum, and second for the warm, welcoming community. In the Ecosystem Science and Management track I was able to build on my scientific understanding of global change, but the opportunity to relate these issues to policy and management has been invaluable.
Kirk Acharya ’17
Student Researcher, Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge
Kirk Acharya
Internships
Conservation Ecology Internship
Career Coaching
Career review

Ecosystem Science and Management Careers

SEAS Career Services offers career advising, internship opportunities, and professional services for students. We help students make professional connections with alumni and develop career paths that are both fulfilling and impactful.

Please visit our Careers page for additional career resources

Sustainability Themes

Sustainability Themes cut across all specializations—and give students, faculty, and partners a chance to dig deeper into a particular area of impact and interest. Themes are also used as rallying points for cross-campus research, teaching and civic engagement collaborations.
Learn More
cities
Cities + Mobility + Built Environment
climate and energy
Climate + Energy
conservation and restoration
Conservation + Restoration
cross cutting
Cross-cutting
food systems
Food Systems
water
Water
Dual Degree Programs

The hallmark of the SEAS master’s program is its interdisciplinary focus. This focus can be extended even further through the pursuit of a dual degree. Because the school is part of one of the greatest research universities in the world, there are many options. Each natural resources and environment field of study provides an excellent foundation for earning a dual degree.

Read more about our dual degree programs