You have a first degree in ecology or a (related course), but your thirst for knowledge and experience hasn’t been completely quenched. Some good universities offer master’s degree programs in ecology to help you remedy that situation.
A bachelor’s degree in ecology is a big feat. However, a master’s program will go a long way to create more opportunities for you.
In this article, I’ll be giving the 10 best ecology masters programs available, requirements, costs, and the schools that offer these programs.
So, before we continue, let’s go through the table of content below to get an overview of what the article contains.
Table of contents
- Why A Masters In Ecology?
- What Can I Do With A Masters Degree In Ecology?
- How Much Will I Earn With A Masters Degree In Ecology?
- What Are The Requirements For A Masters Degree In Ecology Program?
- How Much Does It Cost To Earn A Masters In Ecology?
- What Are The Best Masters Programs In Ecology?
- #1. University of Oxford
- #2. Wageningen University & Research
- #3. The University Of Montpellier
- #.4 Stanford University
- #5. University of California, Berkeley
- #6. University of California, Davis
- #7. University of Exeter
- #8. University of Minnesota
- #9. Imperial College London
- #10. ETH ZURICH, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
- How long Does It Take To Earn A Masters In Ecology?
- FAQ’s For Masters In Ecology
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
Why A Masters In Ecology?
A master’s degree in ecology provides students with advanced training in the ecological sciences through both coursework and independent research.
Upon completion, students can pursue a professional career in the field, or enroll in a Ph. D. program.
If you seek to understand the important connections between plants and animals and the world around them, then, you’re advised to enroll in one of these programs.
To pursue a career in ecology, a bachelor’s degree may not get you the kind of jobs, opportunities, or pay a master’s degree can provide. A master’s degree in ecology however will be an added advantage.
Furthermore, if you wish to attain the height of education – the doctoral level, earning a master’s degree is a step in the right direction. Whether it is an online degree or a campus one, a master’s degree is important because it teaches students to acquire foundational skills, and guarantee employment resources upon graduating.
What Can I Do With A Masters Degree In Ecology?
Sitting in an office for the next 50 years doesn’t have to be the only option for you because the great outdoors for you to explore.
Some ecologists work outside doing field research on land or underwater. Others work in labs or in the community with natural resource managers or government officials who develop policies. Some work in offices where they analyze data and build computer models.
Ecologists also work for educational and other nonprofit organizations, government agencies, research centers, and private companies.
A master’s degree in ecology encourages you to do the thing you love and still do good in the world.
In that regard, these careers can give you that opportunity with your master’s degree:
How Much Will I Earn With A Masters Degree In Ecology?
Us bureau of Labor Statistics classifies ecologists as conservation scientists. The average annual salary for ecologists is $67,040 as of May 2019. Several things can affect the income of an ecologist – experience, location, area of specialty, and level of education.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the growth of jobs for the wider category of environmental scientists and specialists was expected to be 11% from 2016-2026.
By May 2017, environmental scientists and specialists earned a median annual salary of $69,400.
While the entry-level workers with no degree, earn less than $38,890 per year, the bachelor degree holders earn between $56,000-$69,000 those holding master’s and doctorate level degrees in ecology, earn over $90,080 per year.
What Are The Requirements For A Masters Degree In Ecology Program?
The requirements for a master’s degree in ecology, vary among schools and program mode. A university may not offer an online master and an on-campus master’s program.
Every school that offers an ecology master’s program has its own set of prerequisites. You can contact your accredited institution for more comprehensive information on their policies/admission requirements.
For example, You must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution before applying for an MA or MSc ecology program. It should have been earned in ecology or a topic closely related to it. Also, for students from abroad, the equivalent qualification will be expected.
You could be asked to take a test set by the faculty, or present a Test of English as a Foreign Language or an International English Language Testing System certificate, to demonstrate that you meet the university entry requirements. This is particularly for students who do not speak English as a first language, as proof of your language skills.
Most master’s programs whether online or on-campus require a copy of transcripts from previously attended universities, statements of purpose, and two or three letters of recommendation.
How Much Does It Cost To Earn A Masters In Ecology?
Well, the average tuition for a master’s degree in biology will vary depending on the institution, mode of classes, and the particular program.
However, the tuition for all graduate degrees vary between $11,000 per year – $25,000 per year, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics (2015-16 estimates).
What Are The Best Masters Programs In Ecology?
The earth and how it works is still mostly a secret to mankind. As an ecologist, you’re intrigued by these intricacies and eager to find answers to these enigmas.
Enrolling in a master’s degree in ecology, would help answer your questions, step higher in your education, and sharpen your skills in this profession.
Choosing the best schools for the program is the first step in the right direction. In this post on the 10 Best ecology masters programs, I have compiled a list of good schools based on public data released from educational, commercial, and government databases. All programs here are fully accredited by the relevant authorities.
#1. University of Oxford
Master of Science in Environmental Change and Management
Cost : £19,200 home; £25,900 overseas
Qs Ranking – #4
Acceptance rate – 17.5%
Its masters in environmental change and management aim to provide you with a broad appreciation of the major processes of environmental change, and the people and institutions involved in environmental management.
The objective of this program is to produce environmental leaders who are critical in their approach to environmental issues – informed and conscious decision-makers.
Requirements
#2. Wageningen University & Research
European Masters Agroecology
Qs Ranking – 115
Acceptance Rate – 40.2%
Wageningen University & Research (also known as Wageningen UR; abbreviation: WUR) is a public research university in Wageningen, the Netherlands. It is a region in the Netherlands, known as the Food Valley.
WUR consists of Wageningen University and the former agricultural research institute of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture. Wageningen University produces experts (BSc, MSc, and Ph.D.) in life and social sciences and places emphasis on its research on scientific, social, and commercial difficulties in the field of life sciences and natural resources
What Is A Double Degree?
The double degree agroecology is a European master’s program particularly for students with a strong curiosity in sustainable agriculture and agroecosystem management. This program is part of the organic agriculture masters that equips you to understand the structure and function of complex agroecosystems.
In addition to European Partner Universities, Wageningen University & Research offers you the chance to do your master’s program partly in Wageningen and partly at a partner university. You get to obtain international and intercultural experience. Most importantly, you receive two diplomas when you graduate.
Requirements
Enrolment in an MSc Programme at Wageningen University requires:
Tuition fees can vary, depending on for example your nationality and degree.
#3. The University Of Montpellier
Master Of Ecology
Cost – $3,239
Qs Ranking – 430
Acceptance Rate – 42.1%
Established in 1289 The University of Montpellier (UM) is the 6th largest university in France, with about 50,000 students including 7000 come from abroad to study in Montpellier. One of the most innovative higher education institutions in the world, UM ranks very high in many international rankings.
Requirements
When applying for admission to the University of Montpellier in France you should prepare all required documents. Request a list of necessary documents directly from a university, as it may vary for different countries. Using our live chat, you can also ask for sample documents.
#.4 Stanford University
The Sustainability Science and Practice
Cost – $18,105
Qs Ranking – # 2
Acceptance Rate – 4.4%
Stanford University was founded in 1885 by Jane and Leland Stanford, “to promote the public welfare by exercising an influence on behalf of humanity and civilization.”
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Stanford’s faculty and students strive to improve the health and comfort of people around the world through the discovery and application of knowledge.
The Sustainability Science and Practice coterminal master’s program receives and integrates students with varied experiences and opinions. They believe this is important to solving the compound, interdisciplinary sustainability challenges of our time.
Students can pursue either an M.S or an M.A. in Sustainability Science and Practice. The type of degree earned depends on if the student takes a majority of natural science and engineering units or social sciences and humanities units
Requirements
Prepare the required materials:
#5. University of California, Berkeley
Energy & Resources – M.A., M.S.
Cost – 9,681 EUR/year
Qs Ranking – # 28
Acceptance Rate – 14.8%
The University of California Berkeley founded in 1868, now has close research relations with three United States Department of Energy National Laboratories.
Students in the Energy & Resources – M.A., M.S., and Ph.D. programs at ERG are taught a variety of methods and subjects to understand, advance, and review critIcal issues stemming from the interaction of humans and the environment. As a result of that, the requirements are both wide-ranging and deep, methodologIcal, theoretIcal, and practical approaches to challenges in energy, resources, and the environment.
Requirements
#6. University of California, Davis
Graduate Group in Ecology
Cost – $13,980
Qs Ranking – #112
Acceptance Rate – 41.1%
Founded in 1905, UC Davis is the most academically comprehensive university on the West Coast. The university works across disciplines to address the world’s most tenacious problems and for its commitment to creative and cultural expression.
You can either apply to single or multiple graduate programs during a single admissions period. However, you must file a complete application for each of the programs, including a new online application and application fee.
Like most ecology and evolution master’s programs, the GGE requires that applicants have a major professor ready to accept them. As this is a necessary step in your application, you should contact faculty that interests you in the early summer or fall of the year. You will be communicating with them constantly throughout the application process.
Requirements
#7. University of Exeter
MSc Conservation and Biodiversity
Cost – £24,300 full-time
Qs Ranking – #163
Acceptance Rate – 17.01%
It has its roots in the Exeter School of Art and Exeter School of Science, founded in 1855 and 1863 respectively. The schools fused as the Royal Albert Memorial College, then the University College of the South West of England, and finally in 1955 the University of Exeter. This was when it received its Royal Charter.
The University of Exeter is a public research university based in Exeter, South West England. A member of the Russell Group of UK universities, that combines excellence in teaching and research.
Requirements
#8. University of Minnesota
Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Graduate Program
Cost – 23,026 EUR
Qs Ranking – #156
Acceptance Rate – 51.9%
The Twin Cities campus is the oldest and largest in the University of Minnesota system and has the sixth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 51,327 students in 2019-20.
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus / Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior is located in St. Paul, MN, in an urban setting.
Requirements
#9. Imperial College London
MSc Ecology, Evolution and Conservation
Cost – £25,200
Qs Ranking – #9
Acceptance Rate – 14.3%
Imperial College London is a unique institution in the UK, focusing solely on science, engineering, medicine, and business.
Imperial is based in South Kensington in London, in an area known as ‘Albertopolis’, Prince Albert, and Sir Henry Cole’s 19th-century vision for a platform where science and the arts would be merged.
This course delivers a broad research training in ecology, evolution, and conservation, focusing on vital concepts and theory, and their application to conservation and biodiversity science.
This interdisciplinary course provides broad research training in ecology, evolution, and conservation, focusing on fundamental concepts and theory, and their application to conservation and biodiversity science.
Requirements
#10. ETH ZURICH, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich
Master of Science ETH in Environmental Science
COST – CHF 22,000
Qs Ranking – #6
Acceptance Rate – 27%
Established in 1855 as the Federal Polytechnic School, a century and a half later ETH Zurich is now considered among some of the world’s most respected universities in science and technology.
The institute has produced over 20 Nobel Prize Laureates – the father of modern physics and the inventor of the general theory of relativity Albert Einstein, one of them.
The Master’s degree program in Environmental Sciences at ETH Zurich forms the foundation for scientific work at a high academic level, trains students to handle complex difficulties, and teaches them skills that are relevant to a wide range of careers.
Requirements
How long Does It Take To Earn A Masters In Ecology?
Typically, a master’s degree program can be completed in 2 years. However, some accelerated programs can be completed in less than 2 years, some may take more than 2 years to complete – depending on several factors. The average master’s program involves 8-10 courses and 32 to 36 credit hours.
However, the factors we are looking at are likely to be the length is the subject of the degree or the program format.
FAQ’s For Masters In Ecology
Yes, If you ultimately plan to obtain a Ph.D., you don’t need to get a Master’s degree first, but it is generally advantageous in the long run.
It takes 2 years, most times but some accelerated courses can last as short as 10 months.
With an ecology career, you can become an Environmental Consultant, Research Scientists, and Research Assistants, Park Naturalist, Restoration Ecologist, Natural Resource Manager.
As an environmentalist, you will have great knowledge of our environment at your disposal. You can focus on different fields of the environment. There is a lot of opportunities open to you by having a Degree in Environmental Science
There are many types of ecologists, such as environmental scientists, environmental engineers, zoologists, conservation scientists and foresters, environmental chemists, and more.
Conclusion
Ever wondered how the most trivial things help maintain a balance in the ecosystem (life cycle)?
From the herbivore(rabbit) feeding on an acorn, to a predator(coyote) feeding on said herbivore, to man feeding on the predator, then dying, decomposing, only to end up as manure to help grow the acorn again.
Or about mutualism?
Where (practical example) a bird feeds on the bugs on the back of a crocodile. This eases the crocodile of the discomfort – whilst feeding itself, in return, the crocodile provides the bird with protection against other predators.
The fascination of these interactions, the knowledge that there’s a lot, unexplored out there, drove you to your first degree in ecology(or something related).
But why stop there?
You can enroll in masters programs and avail yourself of the opportunities to do the things you love best. I have listed the 10 best masters programs in ecology for you.
Make a choice and start doing what you love!
References
Recommendations
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