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 2023 Career Outcomes for Ecology*

** Includes Self-Employed

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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.

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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.

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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 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

* 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 2023 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 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