Ecology and Conservation Biology

BGSU students can earn a Bachelor of Science in biology with a specialization in ecology and conservation biology. The ecology and conservation biology specialization is a multidisciplinary program based on the fields of ecology and evolution, and their applied aspects in conservation biology. The program focuses on the study of living organisms across a wide variety of levels from cellular and molecular to population and landscapes.

Admission Information

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Quality classroom experiences

The Department of Biological Sciences provides a solid foundation in ecology, evolution, and organismal biology while developing the quantitative, analytical, and technical skills necessary for professional positions or advanced study. Our research and teaching program utilizes a wide range of cutting-edge techniques, including molecular genetics, theoretical modeling, geographic information systems, and remote sensing, to address both basic and applied questions in ecology and conservation biology.

Stand Out in courses like

Evolution
Ecology
Conservation Biology
Restoration Ecology
Wildlife Biology
Genetics

Curriculum

The biology major requires mathematics through calculus, organic chemistry and at least one course in physics. The ecology and conservation biology specialization includes core courses in basic biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. Elective courses in areas of ecology, biodiversity and quantitative analysis provide specialized training to address current environmental problems.

Weekly EcoBreak seminars permit ecology and conservation biology students and faculty to present research and exchange ideas in a friendly, informative atmosphere.

Internships and Careers

Opportunities for independent research, experiential or service learning and internships are integrated into the program. Located near two unique natural ecosystems (the Oak Openings Savanna and the Great Lakes), BGSU provides numerous opportunities for field studies of populations, communities and ecosystems in rapidly changing environments.

Average Starting Salary & BGSU Placement Rate

$35,535* — Ecology and Conservation Biology graduates average starting salary according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers

95% of Biology graduates report they're employed, in graduate school or starting a business within six months of graduation

(BGSU data compiled from students who completed the related questions on the graduation survey.)

Go Far in your career

Water Quality
Conservation and Restoration Ecology
Ecological Research
Natural Resource Management
Wildlife Ecology

More Information

The Ecology and Conservation Biology program is part of the Department of Biological Sciences in the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this specialization, undergraduates will:

Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of ecology and understand the concepts central to conservation, including how organisms and natural systems are impacted by man's dominance of the biosphere;
Demonstrate the ability to critically examine ecological data and scientific literature, design effective experiments, collect appropriate data in field and laboratory settings, and interpret the results of ecological studies;
Demonstrate understanding of how to apply the approaches, technology, and quantitative analyses essential to solving conservation problems;
Demonstrate the ability to present ecological knowledge in a conservation context in both oral and written formats to professional and non-science audiences.

Accreditation

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012-2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

The Biology program will undergo its next Program/Cluster Review during the Academic Year 2019-2020.

More information on accreditation

Professional Licensure

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The biology program does not lead to professional licensure.
More information on professional licensure

Gainful Employment

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Ecology and Conservation program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.

* Job placement and salary information was compiled by the Office of Academic Assessment through the Graduation Survey from AY2015-2018. The data are gathered around the time of Commencement and a follow-up survey six months post Commencement. For the salary question, data for programs with fewer than fifteen responses are not included. Salaries for those programs are from the National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2019 Survey. For questions regarding the data, contact assessment@bgsu.edu.

Updated: 03/04/2021 03:55PM