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 2021 Career Outcomes for Ecology*
** Includes Self-Employed
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Employment Websites
Professional Associations/Resources
- Feed Nourish Thrive
- SCA – Internships; Gap Years (room/board/stipend)
- Environmental Jobs & Careers
- North American Assoc. for Environmental Ed. (NAAEE)
- Environmental Career Opportunities
- Internships in Public Interest Ecology
- Ecology Jobs in the USA
- Ecology Jobs Abroad
- Naturejobs.com
- The Ecological Society of America (ESA)
- The Oceanography Society
- American Ornithologists' Union
- North American Assoc. for Environmental Ed. (NAAEE)
- Marine Conservation Biology Institute
- Institute of Bioinformatics
- Society of Integrative & Comparative Biology
Employers/Position Title Reported by Class of 2021 Ecology majors
The information below represents employers and position titles from the Class of 2021 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) |
|---|---|
| Alaskan Observers, Inc. | Fisheries Biologist | Atlanta Botanical Gardens | Horticulturalist | Cardno | Biologist I | Certivia Laboratories | Medical Lab Scientist | Classic Colors Barn | Ranch Manager | Hearts of Harvest | Farm Hand | Norman Wildlife Consulting | Biologist and Drone Operator | Pure Taqueria | Server | Southwest Conservation Corps | Ecological Monitoring Crew Member | Sustainable Investment Group | Sustainability Consultant | University of Georgia | School Of Art - Art Studio Technician | West Jackson Family Dental | Dental Assistant | YMCA | Fitness Coordinator | Zoo Atlanta | Rides and Attractions |
Graduate/Professional Schools attended by Class of 2021 Ecology majors
The information below represents graduate/professional schools and programs reported through the Class of 2020 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) |
|---|---|
| University of Georgia | Natural Resources, MS | University of Georgia | Ecology, MS | University of Georgia | Natural Resources, MNR | University of Georgia | Entomology, MS | University of Georgia | Comparative Biomedical Sciences, MS | University of Georgia | Scientific Illustration, Undergraduate | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Environment and Resources, MS |