Department website: https://www.western.edu/academics/school-graduate-studies/master-science-ecology

Master of Science in Ecology with emphasis in Ecology and Conservation

The Ecology and Conservation emphasis prepares students for careers and advanced research in Ecology. This track broadly covers the fields of ecology and conservation but is expected to facilitate student specialization in a range of topics, including, but not limited to, molecular ecology, population ecology, community ecology, landscape ecology, biogeochemistry, ecosystem ecology, restoration, conservation, and modeling. Students may also work on any number of organisms or ecological processes (e.g., invertebrates, plants, wildlife, fire, and climate).

The Ecology and Conservation emphasis will provide content and theoretical understanding of ecology and hands-on experience developing and conducting ecological research in a way unique to Western’s liberal arts traditions. The program takes full advantage of the biogeographic setting of Colorado’s western slope and beyond and includes both the development of new scientific insight and the application of ecological knowledge toward broader social-ecological impacts. The Ecology and Conservation Emphasis is a 33-credit track with topical coursework in biology, research methods, and MS proposal development and thesis research. MS students in Ecology and Conservation must complete an MS Thesis. Upon the acceptance of MS proposals (BIOL 690), Ecology and Conservation students must continuously enroll in at least one credit of BIOL 695 until a successful thesis defense.

Master of Science in Ecology with emphasis in Fisheries and Wildlife Management

Program Goals

• Improving student understanding of biology, particularly concepts in ecology, evolution, conservation, wildlife, and/or fisheries.
• Developing students’ capacities for basic and applied research in ecology, including acquiring information, developing methods, conducting sampling and data analysis, demonstrating scientific communication, and advancing broader impacts.
• Advancing the role of science in society, through training ecologists prepared to elevate the ability of agencies, organizations, and communities to address ecological problems.
• Enhancing opportunities for careers and advanced research in ecology.

Admissions Criteria

• Admissions packages will include: academic transcripts; a resume outlining related research, leadership, and volunteer experience; a statement of purpose describing the student’s intellectual and professional interests in ecology; and three letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors in related fields.
• Applicants are expected to have been in contact with a faculty advisor prior to submission of application.

Program Prerequisites:

• BA or BS degree in biology or related field with college courses in Statistics and upper-level Ecology with minimum grade of B, completed prior to the student’s first fall in the program.

Program goals include:

• Improving student understanding of biology, particularly concepts in ecology, evolution, conservation, wildlife, and/or fisheries.
• Developing students’ capacities for basic and applied research in ecology, including acquiring information, developing methods, conducting sampling and data analysis, demonstrating scientific communication, and advancing broader impacts.
• Advancing the role of science in society, through training ecologists prepared to elevate the ability of agencies, organizations, and communities to address ecological problems.
• Enhancing opportunities for careers and advanced research in ecology.

All Master of Science in Ecology emphases require the Core Ecology MS Courses.

Ecology and Conservation Emphasis (beyond required Core courses)

Conferral of the MS degree requires a total of 33 credits of 600-level coursework, each with a grade of a B- or above, and the completion and acceptance of an MS thesis.

Fisheries and Wildlife Management Emphasis (beyond required Core courses)

Conferral of the MS degree requires a total of 33 credits of 600-level coursework, each with a grade of a B- or above, and the completion and acceptance of an MS thesis.