Study Ecology and Nature in the United States

Ecology is the study of living organisms, how they interact with the environment, affect it / are under its influence. As an environmental student, you will study the environment on four different levels:

1. individual organism
2. population
3. community
4. ecosystem.

Society and the economy are increasingly aware of the need to protect the environment, so environmental graduates are in great demand.

What does the study of ecology, nature in US universities include?

• Ecology is a branch of biology. It is the study of ecosystems, how different parts interact with each other, forming a single functional habitat. Ecologists study the relationship between plant and animal species, explore how external influences and human activities affect natural processes.
• Ecology is the study of the relationship of nature: it includes the study of biotic (plants, animals) and abiotic factors (weather, geography). Ecology has a real impact on the conservation, management, restoration of habitat.
• Environmental Management: Track, manage, and protect and optimize the natural environment.

Environmental curricula contain a variety of subjects that reflect all these aspects. Ecology can be divided into several areas:

• Molecular Ecology:Like human DNA, biological processes affect individual interactions with the environment.
• Ecology of the organism,the study of individual species: physiology, behavior, interaction with the environment and other species.
• Population ecology – how populations grow and change, how the genome of populations affects survival, reacts to the environment.
• Community ecology studies the interaction of several species and entire populations with the environment.
• Ecosystem ecology is the interaction of biotic and abiotic factors.
• Landscape ecology studies the interaction of biotic and abiotic factors with the environment in time and space.
• Global ecology – the existence of the environment on a global scale.

Who are environmentalists, specialists in the protection of nature?

Ecologists study the relationships between organisms, habitats of various sizes: from the study of microscopic bacteria in an aquarium to complex interactions between thousands of plants, animals and other communities living in the desert.

Ecologists study many species: microbes living in the soil, animals, plants of tropical forests, oceans.

Many specialties in the field of ecology – marine ecology, the study of vegetation, statistical ecology – provide information that allows you to better understand the world around. This information helps to improve the environment, manage natural resources, protect human health.

Here is an example of how environmental knowledge has a positive impact on life. In the 1960s, environmental studies identified two main causes of poor water quality in lakes and streams – phosphorus + nitrogen, which were found in large quantities in laundry detergents and fertilizers. Having received this information, citizens were able to take the necessary steps to restore lakes and streams in their communities, many of them again became popular among lovers of fishing, swimming.

Advantages of studying ecology, environment

• If you want to have a real impact on the natural world, then ecology is a great choice. Environmentalists are at the forefront of preserving and protecting the environment.
• Ecologists protect and preserve the natural habitat, make a real contribution to the protection of nature.
• Opportunity to travel: Most countries are actively trying to protect their natural habitat, so that environmental research is carried out in every conceivable ecosystem.
• Environmentalists spend a lot of time working in nature. This could be observing human activity in a local park or counting trees in the rainforest.

Content of bachelor's programs with the study of nature, environment

In the first year, students are engaged in general ecology and biology, study a wide range of subjects - geography, chemistry.

In the second year, students master such topics as:

• Genetics, cell biology
• Evolution, molecular biology
• Epigenetics, ecological physiology
• Conservation, biodiversity, environmental protection
• Biology, animal behavior
• Botany, interaction of plants, animals
• Experimental and research skills, data processing.

The requirements for applicants depend on the university: applicants must complete high school (12 years), get high scores in biology, mathematics, geography, chemistry + provide a language certificate.

Content of master's programs with the study of nature, environment

Unlike the often general basic undergraduate programs, most master's programs in ecology are focused on specialization.

Typical specializations of the Master of Ecology:

• Marine ecology
• Forest ecology
• Agroecology
• Industrial ecology
• Environmental management.

Whichever specialization you choose, it will affect the direction of your professional career.

Career Options for Graduates of Ecology, Environment

Graduates-ecologists choose a variety of professions. More and more companies and government departments are directing resources to solving environmental problems and protecting the environment. Environmental graduates will be in increasing demand as we move towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

Typical employers for graduates of programs with the study of ecology in the United States:

• Non-governmental, charitable organizations dealing with environmental issues: Greenpeace, World Wildlife Fund, small organizations with a regional or other focus.
• Legal groups involved in environmental protection.
• State bodies, environmental protection agencies.
• Green initiatives, green energy, the sustainable development industry.
• Universities and research institutes.
• Groups of wildlife conservation, diversity of species.

Typical job titles and descriptions for graduates of the Faculty of Ecology:

• Ecologist – you will study, manage, protect the natural habitat.
• Environmental Protection Manager – You will manage natural habitats, protect them, conduct forensic investigations if protected habitats have been damaged, work with companies to make sure they do not harm the environment.
• Conservation Officer – you will protect habitats to ensure their safety.
• Field Explorer – You'll travel the world exploring distant habitats to discover and study species in their natural habitat.
• Scientists conduct their own research, train the next generation of ecologists.
• Marine ecologist – a specialist in the oceans studies fish stocks, creates protected marine areas, manages them.
• An environmental consultant conducts an audit of the habitat, helps companies to ensure compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
• Environmental educator – you will teach young people the methods of nature conservation.

Where can I study ecology and the environment in the United States?

Ecology, Environmental Protection – popular degrees for those interested in a career in environmental protection or habitat management. Programs with the study of ecology are available at most universities in the United States, where there are schools of biology or environmental sciences.

Best universities in USA to study nature and ecology

1. The University of Tampa
2. Southern Connecticut State University
3. Kansas State University Polytechnic
4. University of California, Santa Barbara
5. George Mason University
6. Oregon State University
7. Suffolk University
8. Washington State University
9. Umass Lowell
10. University of North Texas
11. Cal State Monterey Bay
12. Adelphi University
13. American University
14. Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM)
15. Florida International University
16. Louisiana State University
17. University of Central Florida
18. University of Kansas
19. James Madison University
20. Long Island University Post
21. Texas A&M University
22. The University of Vermont
23. Widener University
24. Northeastern University
25. Pace University
26. The University of Tulsa
27. Marshall University
28. Auburn University
29. California State University Dominguez Hills.