What Can I Do With a Major In Ecology?
UGA Specific Information for Ecology
Ecology, the study of organisms and their environment, is an interdisciplinary science. Ecologists work at the interface of basic science fields such as biology, geology, chemistry, and mathematics, and may draw more broadly on subjects such as economics, public policy, environmental law, anthropology, and geography. There is a growing need to understand how organisms and the environment interact and to examine the influence of humans on the earth and its biodiversity.
This degree is designed to prepare undergraduates for advanced graduate studies in ecology or allied disciplines leading to a Masters or Doctoral degree. Students planning to finish their studies at the B.S. level should discuss this with an advisor as soon as possible to design an appropriate program of study.
Many students completing this major will elect to enter graduate programs in Ecology or allied fields. Employment opportunities exist with consultant or environmental businesses that provide environmental services to local communities or industries. We see substantial opportunities in this sector of the economy and encourage students to include appropriate academic breadth in their curriculum. These include writing and speaking skills as well as experience in conflict resolution.
Class of 2023 Career Outcomes for Ecology*
** Includes Self-Employed
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Employment Websites
General
Professional Associations/Resources
- Student Conservation Association
- North American Assoc. for Environmental Ed. (NAAEE) Job Board
- Environmental Career Opportunities
- Naturejobs.com
- The Ecological Society of America (ESA)
- The Oceanography Society
- American Ornithologists' Union
- Marine Conservation Biology Institute
- Institute of Bioinformatics
- Society of Integrative & Comparative Biology
Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2023 Ecology majors
The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.
| Employer | Position Title(s) |
|---|---|
| AmeriCorps | Environmental Conservation Corps Member | AmeriCorps | AmeriCorps Assistant | Bird Conservatory of the Rockies | Avian Field Technician | DS Smith | Sustainability Analyst | Georgia Institute of Technology | Communications Officer | Guidehouse | Consultant | Gwinnett County School District | Life Science Teacher | Harbin Clinic | Medical Assistant | Lanier Guest Services | Assistant Dining Room Manager | National Academies of Science Engineering and Medicine | Program Assistant | Oklahoma State University | Scientific Researcher | Pine Energy | Bid Estimator | Reduction in Motion | Sustainability Consultant | Savannah River Ecology Lab | Temporary Research Technician | Schoodic Institute | Field Ecology Technician | Six Flags | Mechanic | Strauss Lab | Researcher | The Smithsonian | Remote Sensing / Spatial Ecology Associate | University of California, Davis | Research Technician |
Graduate/Professional Schools attended by Class of 2023 Ecology majors
The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2023 Career Outcomes Survey. To view historical Career Outcomes for this major, click here and select "Historical Data" from the navigation menu.
| Graduate School | Program(s) |
|---|---|
| Augusta University | Program and Degree Not Specified | Austin Peay State University | Biology, MS | Clemson University | Biological Sciences, MS | Duke University | Environmental Engineering, PhD | Northeastern University | Bioinformatics, MS | University of Arkansas, Fayetteville | Environmental Sciences, MS | University of Florida | Interdisciplinary Ecology, PhD | University of Georgia | Integrative Conservation and Sustainability, MS | University of Georgia | Integrative Conservation and Sustainability, MS | University of Georgia | Ecology, MS | University of Georgia | Finance and Ecology, MS | University of North Georgia | Additional Coursework |