UGA Career Center

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.

Ecology B.S.: 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.
Ecology B.A.: This degree is designed to bring together the natural and the social sciences, experiential learning, communication and group skills in the context of understanding the environment to solve problems. The B.A. program builds upon a strong core of Ecology courses that are shared with the B.S. degree and adds courses that allow students to consider human dimensions of ecological issues and become better equipped to synthesize and communicate challenges and solutions.

Broadly, this degree is designed to prepare undergraduates for career tracks in applied ecology. Many students completing this major will elect to enter graduate programs in Ecology or allied fields. Employment opportunities exist in sectors such as environmental law, science journalism, environmental consulting, and science or policy work in government or non-governmental organizations.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW EMPLOYERS/POSITION TITLES and GRADUATE SCHOOLS/PROGRAMS REPORTED FOR THIS MAJOR

Class of 2024 Career Outcomes for Ecology*

** Includes Self-Employed

Campus Resources

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Additional UGA Career Center Recommendations

If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree, check out our website for assistance with this process
If you are considering applying to Veterinary School, check out this article for specific tips
If you are interested in Medical School, check out this site for details about the application process

Additional Career Research Resources

O*NET Online – The O*NET database includes information on skills, abilities, knowledge, work activities, and interests associated with over 900 occupations.

My Next Move – An interactive tool for students and job seekers to learn more about their career options.

Occupational Outlook Handbook – The OOH is a career resource offering information on the hundreds of occupations that provide most of jobs in the United States.

Vault – Vault.com provides in-depth intelligence on what it’s really like to work in an industry, company, or profession – and how to position yourself to land that job.

Candid Career – This resource provides you with access to thousands of informational video interviews with real professionals through an easy-to-use website.

UGA Mentor Program – Connect with a mentor (alumni, faculty, staff) to research and explore industries and careers. Research industries and careers by connecting with a mentor for a quick chat or formal 16-week mentorship through the UGA Mentor Program.

Interstride - Interstride is an interactive tool for both international and domestic students to enhance their international experience and employment potential. The platform consists of job-listings, hiring trends, employer information, self-assessments, and up-to-date immigration guidance.

Glassdoor - Glassdoor is a free jobs and career community that offers an inside look at jobs and companies through "employee generated content" – anonymous salaries, company reviews, interview questions, and more – all posted by employees and job seekers.

Steppingblocks - Research your future career with real-world stats about your major, your interests, and your dream job title with career and education searches designed to find your best path based on millions of others. It’s data-powered career exploration for doers like you.

Employment Websites

General

Handshake (scroll down to the bottom of the page; login with your UGA MyID and password)
LinkedIn (this popular networking site also has a job board!)
Idealist (non-profit jobs)
USAJobs (federal jobs)

Major-Specific

Professional Associations/Resources

Employers/Position Titles Reported by Class of 2024 Ecology Majors

The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2024 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)
BenchMark Physical Therapy	Physical Therapy Technician
Community Academy	High School Science Teacher
Creature Comforts Brewing Company	Quality Lab Specialist
Forsyth County Government	GIS Technician
Forsyth County Government	GIS Technician
Len Foote Hike Inn	Staff Naturalist
Peace Eagle Prints, LLC	Sole Proprietor
Pleiades Strategy	Research and Operations Associate
The Pew Charitable Trusts	Associate
Trees Atlanta	Data Specialist
United States Department of Agriculture	Laboratory Office
YouthBuild Boston	Program Support Coordinator

* denotes no responses received.

*Source: Areas above marked with an Asterisk (*) have been created utilizing data taken from the UGA Career Outcomes Survey. The "Employers Hiring...," "Job Titles of...," "Career Outcomes for...," and "Graduate/Professional Schools and Programs..." information listed above represent UGA Class of 2024 Graduates. The lists are not exhaustive and therefore do not represent all potential career options. Click here for more detailed Career Outcomes information regarding this major.

Graduate/Professional Schools Attended by Class of 2024 Ecology Majors

The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2024 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	Clinical Nurse Leader, MSN
Boston University	Global Policy, MA
Georgia Institute of Technology	Geographic Information Science and Technology, MS
University of Alabama at Birmingham	Biology, PhD
University of Georgia	Epidemiology & Biostatistics, MS
University of Georgia	Natural Resources, MNR
University of Georgia	Landscape Architecture, MLA
University of Georgia	Integrative Conservation & Sustainability, Master’s
University of Georgia	Ecology, Master’s
University of Miami	Marine Conservation, Master’s