Conservation and Restoration Ecology

Conservation and restoration ecology involves conserving, maintaining, and recovering ecological systems and enriching the lives of their inhabitants. The conservation and restoration ecology major teaches students to use ecological principles to maintain healthy ecosystems and to restore terrestrial systems, such as forests, rangelands, wildlands, and grasslands that have been damaged or eliminated through overuse, neglect, or disaster.

Students will gain a solid foundation in biological sciences, soil science, chemistry, and math; study ecology of wildland plants and animals; learn techniques to monitor, assess, preserve, and restore ecosystems; and understand policy of natural resource management. With guidance from an advisor, students develop an individualized plan of study for their electives that caters to their unique career goals.

Bachelor Degree Minimum Requirements

Admission to USU is test optional for Spring 2022, Summer 2022, and Fall 2022. ACT/SAT test scores will still be considered if submitted.

• 2.8-4.0 GPA - Admitted in Good Standing
  • Students with less than a 2.8 high school GPA may still be admitted in good standing based upon the combination of their GPA and ACT/SAT score. See if you qualify.
• 2.79 GPA & below - Considered for Earned Admission path.

Associate Degree Minimum Requirements

Most USU Eastern and USU Blanding Associates Degrees and Certificates are open enrollment and do not require a minimum high school GPA or ACT/SAT score.

Recommended High School Prep Work

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of Math (One class beyond math 3)
• 3.5 years of Social Science
• 3 years of Lab-Based Science (one each: biology, chemistry, and physics)
• 2 years of a world language (same language, taken progressively during grades 9-12)

With a degree in conservation and restoration ecology, students can pursue the following careers:

• Conduct research for private environmental consulting companies
• Biological technician collecting data for plant or animal research
• Restore fire-damaged rangelands for the Bureau of Land Management or USDA Forest Service
• Work for state natural resource agencies
• Work for private land reclamation contractors
• Biological consultant surveying for sensitive species or writing conservation or restoration plans
• Manage land for nongovernmental organizations or corporate landowners
• Nature center or zoo worker
• Preserve sensitive habitats and critical ecosystems
• Conserve land and natural resources
• Develop rules that protect farm and ranch lands
• Work in environmental education and public outreach
• Graduate study in natural resources and ecology

Career Services provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.