Play An Active Role In Restoring The Environment: Ecological Restoration
Ecological Restoration Degree Information
Bachelor of Science in Ecological Restoration
The Bachelor of Science in Ecological Restoration is a 120 credit hours degree program that can take up to four years to complete. This type of degree is aimed at students who are interested in careers such as restoration ecologist, restoration specialist, conservation technician or habitat restoration. Required courses for this type of degree program may include General Biology, General Ecology, Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology, Dendrology, Forest Ecology, Stream Ecology and Management, Wetlands Ecosystems and Management, Watershed Management, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration and more.
Master of Science In Ecological Restoration
In order to enroll in a Master of Science in Ecological Restoration degree program, students must hold a four year bachelor's degree in a relevant program. It is typically a 36 unit program consisting of courses such as Concepts of Ecological Restoration and the Physical Environment, Project Management and Policy for Ecological Restoration, Graduate Seminars in Research Methods, and more.
Master of Natural Resource Stewardship
Students interested in ecological restoration can also study for a master’s degree in natural resource stewardship. It can be taken as a coursework-only degree, which means there is no need to complete a thesis. Required courses for this degree may include Natural Resources Inventory and Data Analysis, Analysis of Environmental Impact, Economics of Forests, Restoration and Fire, Ecology of Disturbed Lands and more. For the ecological restoration specialization students must also complete courses such as Wetland Ecology and Restoration, and Advanced Ecological Restoration.
Ecological Restoration Certificate
Ecological Restoration is also available as a 28 unit certificate program that is aimed at working professionals. Completing this certificate will enable students to identify the regulatory and technical requirements for monitoring restoration sites, come up with restoration plans as well as become familiar with major restoration techniques. Requires courses for this type of certificate may include Ecological Restoration Techniques, Advanced Ecological Restoration Techniques, Introduction to Environmental Studies, and Introduction to Ecology. Electives may include Water and Soil Conservation, Green Living, Soils and Fertilizers, Irrigation Systems and Ornamental Native Plants.
Ecological Restoration Degree FAQ
Is It Possible To Study Online For An Ecological Restoration Degree?
There are online options available for a degree in ecological restoration, but most programs are at a master's level and aimed at students who are already working in this field. Hybrid programs may also be available, but require students to complete a certain amount of internship hours in order to gain the practical field experience that is necessary for an ecological restoration degree. Completing this type of degree online is beneficial for people with family obligations or careers that make it difficult for them to attend campus based classes.
Who Would Be An Ideal Candidate To Study Ecological Restoration?
Ecological restoration is definitely a field where you must have a passion for the environment if you want to succeed. In addition, you need good problem solving skills and a keen interest in science.
What Type of Employment Options Might Be Available With A Degree In Ecological Restoration?
Earning a degree in ecological restoration could open up a lot of career opportunities for you. Since environmental problems are a global issue, it means that there is a demand for skilled professionals. People with this type of degree typically go on to work for either governmental agencies or private business. Depending on the type of degree that you have earned, as well as the amount of experience that you have, you may be able to work as a restoration project manager, restoration consultant, research assistant and more.
What Type Of Responsibilities Might I Have When Employed In This Field?
When working in the field of ecological restoration it doesn't matter whether your job is in the field or laboratory, your purpose is generally to solve environmental problems. It is also the type of field where you can generally choose an area of focus, such as water, air quality or soil. Restoration can take the form of re-vegetation, remediation, mitigation or habitat enhancement. People working in this field typically assess sites that require restoration before formulate project goals to achieve the desired effect. Sources of disturbance have to be identified and removed, vegetation might have to be restored and when all of this done there is still a need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
How Much Can I Potentially Earn When Employed In The Field of Ecological Restoration?
Although the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics lacks specific figures for ecological restoration, they do indicate that the 2017 median pay for environmental scientists and specialists is about $69,400 per year. Because of the heightened public interest in the environment and the hazards that it faces, the demand for people in this field is expected to rise in the future.
What Are The Other Benefits of An Ecological Restoration Degree?
If you care about the environment, then earning an ecological restoration degree and working in this field can provide you with the opportunity to make a real difference in the world. Streams, lakes, rivers, oceans, forests and wetlands are being damaged or destroyed on a continual basis, which means there is a real need for restoration ecologists. Since the damage to the environment happens across the globe, ecological restoration is a field that could provide you with lots of travel opportunities.
