Preserving the planet’s most precious ecosystems

If you’re passionate about wild animals, natural beauty and the great outdoors, if you’re fascinated by nature shows and podcasts, planet Earth needs you in ecology. Ecology is a branch of biology that examines how living creatures interact with each other and their environment. Join us and learn how to study, protect and restore natural habitats. It’s fun, fascinating and absolutely crucial to everyone’s future.

Have fun and fill your life with purpose. Go out and perform vital field work at our 87-acre field station right here near campus. Till and plant in the campus garden. Learn beekeeping and promote bee conservation. Work on lab or field projects side-by-side with your professors and your fellow environmentally conscientious classmates with fascinating life experiences and perspectives. Before you know it, you’ll become an expert in biology and environmental sciences. You’ll be an active part of the solution.

As you advance toward your degree, you’ll do a year-long collaborative research project and present your work at a scientific conference before a roomful of fellow professionals. You’ll take advantage of our internships, such as building nature trails with the Chesapeake Conservancy or conducting research for the Freshwater Institute and Laboratory. By the time you graduate, you can have real-world experience collaborating with government, nonprofit and academic institutions. Launch a life of passion and purpose by starting a career in ecology protecting, conserving, and restoring our natural environments.


100%
of students conduct yearlong research project with faculty
100%
of students present research at local, national or international conference

Hands-on learning in sustainability

Get your hands dirty and help save the planet at Susquehanna’s Center for Environmental Education and Research (CEER). Home to honeybees, organic gardens and a flock of sweet sheep, CEER provides you a hands-on education like no other.

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Campus Garden

“I didn’t realize how important undergraduate research is for students in STEM fields. But having spent the last nine years in consulting work and graduate school, I now know how valuable that research training at Susquehanna was. I conducted research with faculty all three summers, an experience that’s difficult to replicate at larger universities where so many more students are vying for a limited number of opportunities.”

Sam Silknetter ’14 M.S.


Potential Careers

  • Natural resources manager
  • Wildlife and fisheries officer
  • Environmental consultant
  • Field ecologist
  • Environmental protection specialist

Recent Employers

  • ERM — Environmental Resources Management
  • S. Department of Agriculture
  • Georgia Aquarium
  • Cincinnati Zoological Garden
  • Susquehanna River Basin Commission

Graduate School Placement

  • Columbia University
  • Clemson University
  • University of Florida
  • Auburn University
  • Rutgers University

Which environmental degree should I choose?

Choosing the right environmental major can be a challenging task, as Earth & Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies and Ecology share many similarities.

Ecology

Ecology is a branch of biology that examines how organisms interact with each other and their environment. You’ll take courses in biology and environmental sciences. Field and lab projects are an integral part of this major and every student completes a research project with faculty.

Earth & Environmental Sciences

Earth & Environmental Sciences examines the nonliving components of our environment and how they impact living things. It’s the scientific study of water, rocks, air and soil and their dynamic interactions. You’ll take courses in hydrology, geology, weather, soil science and more, with lots of hands-on field and lab work, culminating in a research collaboration with faculty.

Environmental Studies

Environmental studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores the relationships between human, non-human and non-living earth systems at different levels. You’ll learn to address environmental challenges caused by humans, including climate change and environmental injustice. Courses include natural and social sciences, literature, religion, politics and business.

Dive into Susquehanna’s Freshwater Research Institute

The Susquehanna River is a hidden gem teeming with life where you can study the local ecology. Grab your specimen jar, lab notebook and become a part of a summer crew that ensures this valuable resource will always be protected.

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From left are Gabe Peachy '23, Tessa Roan '24 and Matt Wilson, director of the Freshwater Research Institute.

Studying for a Degree in Ecology

Explore the courses you’ll take on your journey to earning a degree in ecology at Susquehanna.


Explore other programs and opportunities

See the full list of related programs on the School of Natural and Social Sciences page.


Virtual Tour of the Center for Environmental Education and Research

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Contact Us

Ecology

514 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870

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Location

Natural Sciences Center

Campus Map

Phone & Email

Matt Persons
570-372-4526
persons@susqu.edu