Conservation and Restoration Ecology - BS

S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources

About This Degree

Conservation and restoration ecology involves conserving, maintaining, and recovering ecological systems and enriching the lives of their inhabitants. The conservation and restoration ecology major teaches students to use ecological principles to maintain healthy ecosystems and to restore terrestrial systems, such as forests, rangelands, wildlands, and grasslands that have been damaged or eliminated through overuse, neglect, or disaster.

What You Will Learn

Students will gain a solid foundation in biological sciences, soil science, chemistry, and math; study ecology of wildland plants and animals; learn techniques to monitor, assess, preserve, and restore ecosystems; and understand policy of natural resource management. With guidance from an advisor, students develop an individualized plan of study for their electives that caters to their unique career goals.

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ADVISING

At a Glance

College: S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources

Department: Wildland Resources Department

USU Locations:

  • Logan campus

Program Requirements

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

With a degree in conservation and restoration ecology, students can pursue the following careers:

  • Conduct research for private environmental consulting companies
  • Biological technician collecting data for plant or animal research
  • Restore fire-damaged rangelands for the Bureau of Land Management or USDA Forest Service
  • Work for state natural resource agencies
  • Work for private land reclamation contractors
  • Biological consultant surveying for sensitive species or writing conservation or restoration plans
  • Manage land for nongovernmental organizations or corporate landowners
  • Nature center or zoo worker
  • Preserve sensitive habitats and critical ecosystems
  • Conserve land and natural resources
  • Develop rules that protect farm and ranch lands
  • Work in environmental education and public outreach
  • Graduate study in natural resources and ecology

The Career and Design Center provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.

Job Outlook

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Advising

We will build on your goals and experiences while working together to design an individualized semester-by-semester plan. Your personalized plan will help you see a path from where you are now on to graduation. Even if you are unsure of the major you would like to pursue, we can help with resources and ideas.

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USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

Admission

Admission Requirements

In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the conservation and restoration ecology program has additional requirements:

  • Freshmen: New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to this major.
  • Transfer Students: Students transferring from other institutions and from other USU majors must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 to be accepted into the major.
  • Special attention will be given to the number of, and performance in, prerequisite math and science courses.

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Program Requirements

In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the conservation and restoration ecology program has additional requirements:

  • Freshmen: New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission to this major.
  • Transfer Students: Students transferring from other institutions and from other USU majors must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 to be accepted into the major.
  • Special attention will be given to the number of, and performance in, prerequisite math and science courses.

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Cost and Aid

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How to Apply

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