Undergraduate Studies
Our department is currently developing a new undergraduate program designed to teach fundamental concepts in ecology and related sciences as well as their applications to conservation biology. Ecology is the science that seeks understanding of patterns and processes that generate and maintain biological diversity at scales ranging from genes to organisms, populations, and communities as well as faunal regions and evolutionary lineages. Ecologists explore the distribution and abundance of animal, plant and microbial species as well as the roles of organisms in ecosystems. Ecosystems processes, such as water, nutrient and production dynamics, and the ecosystem services that maintain biodiversity and environmental health also are major areas of ecological study that have direct applications for human health and welfare. Our undergraduate curriculum assures that students attain proficiency in core disciplines, including of basic biology, chemistry, and quantitative methods. The ECCB undergraduate program emphasizes experiential learning and affords many opportunities for research experiences in Texas, the nation and internationally as well as internship and study abroad opportunities.
ECCB majors can select one of four tracks: Ecology and Conservation Biology, Ecoinformatics, Forestry Resources, and Vertebrate Zoology. ECCB graduates will be well-prepared for admission into top graduate and professional programs in ecology and related fields, veterinary school and careers in the fields of ecology, conservation biology, and natural resource management.
We have a close working relationship with American Fisheries Society (AFS) and the Society of American Foresters (SAF), who will serve as the accreditation bodies for this degree program. Individual tracks will position graduates to move directly into specificialized fields that address emerging ecological, biological and environmental issues. These include, but are not limited to:
Ecology & Conservation Biology
Ecoinformatics
Forestry Resources
Vertebrate Zoology
Our students go on to pursue careers in
Forestry, Natural Resource Conservation, Veterinary Medicine, Fisheries, Ecology, Biodiversity Assessment and Environmental Management, among others.
Undergraduate Advisors
For more information about our undergraduate programs, please call to schedule an appointment with an ECCB Undergraduate Advisor.
