When you receive a bachelor of science in Ecology at SPU, you will be ready to work in ecology or biological subdisciplines such as marine biology, forestry, fisheries, agriculture, behavioral ecology, and wildlife management. This major prepares you for graduate studies or a professional ecology/biology career.
About the Ecology Major
As an Ecology major, you will focus on principles that enhance environmental quality and make efficient use of nonrenewable resources. You will also learn to apply this knowledge to help address agricultural and environmental challenges.
Career Opportunities
After graduation, you'll be on your way to serving in a position such as:
- Marine biologist
- Agricultural economist
- Crop scientist
- Biological photographer
- Conservation scientist
- Environmental ecologist
- Soil conservationist
- Science writer
- Plant physiologist
- Wildlife ecologist
Courses and Requirements
For a BS in Ecology, you are required to take a minimum of 94 credits, including at least 44 upper-division biology credits. Review all of the BS in Ecology courses and requirements, as well as a suggested course sequence.
Elective courses should be discussed with your biology faculty advisor.
If you are interested in graduate school, consult with your advisor as to whether coursework beyond degree requirements (e.g., physics, cell biology, MAT 1235) is appropriate.
Completion of a Capstone experience is required for graduation. The Capstone experience may be completed by either taking BIO 4615 (Bioethics) during your senior year, or by collaborating with a faculty member on an investigation that requires a formal proposal (BIO 4978 Biological Research Proposal), and original research and presentation of results (BIO 4979). You are urged to begin your research as early as possible, as there is a three-credit minimum. No more than six credits of courses numbered from BIO 4900 through 4999 may be applied to this major.
BIO 4950 “Special Topics in Biology” may be used to meet certain stated requirements if the topic is determined to be appropriate by the Biology Department in advance.
As a part of either core requirements or electives, you are required to take a minimum of three credits of field biology, taught primarily in the field and emphasizing field methods.
To apply to the BS in Ecology major, you must make a formal application through your Degree Status Check page in Banner.