Biology – Ecology/ Conservation

Ecology Marine Conservation

About the ecology & conservation program

The Biology major in Ecology & Conservation at Missouri Southern State University explores how organisms interact with their environment and how science can help protect species, habitats, and ecosystems. Students learn about ecological relationships, biodiversity, and the environmental challenges affecting the natural world.

This program is a good fit for students interested in wildlife, environmental protection, and understanding how ecosystems function. Coursework in ecology and conservation biology helps students explore issues such as habitat loss, pollution, species extinction, and climate change.

Is the Program Right for You?

The Ecology & Conservation program at MSSU is a great fit for students who enjoy the outdoors and want to understand, study, and protect the natural world.

This program may be right for you if you:

Enjoy working outdoors and learning about wildlife and ecosystems.
Want to help protect natural resources, species, and habitats.
Are interested in careers in wildlife biology, resource management, or field research.
Want to explore opportunities in fisheries research and management.
Hope to work with state or federal agencies or nonprofit conservation organizations.

ecology students listening to faculty outside

What You'll Learn in the Ecology & Conservation Program

This program helps students develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to study organisms, monitor wildlife populations, and protect natural environments.

Students learn to:

Monitor wildlife populations, study organisms in their natural habitats, and apply field biology techniques.
Restore habitats, protect biodiversity, and apply conservation biology principles.
Study ecological relationships, ecosystems, and biomes, including aquatic environments.
Identify and understand diverse organisms through subjects such as entomology, herpetology, mammalogy, and plant taxonomy.
Use scientific research and critical thinking to investigate environmental challenges and support conservation efforts.
Explore Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other approaches to studying and analyzing environmental information.

Ecology & Conservation Careers

An Ecology & Conservation degree can lead to careers in wildlife, research, and natural resource management.

Career opportunities include:

Wildlife biologist or habitat manager
Conservation biologist or natural resource specialist
Field or laboratory researcher
Environmental scientist
Zoo or aquarium professional
Graduate studies in biology or related fields

MSSU graduates have found opportunities with organizations such as the National Park Service, Missouri Department of Conservation, National Audubon Society, and The Nature Conservancy.

Curriculum & Courses

The Ecology & Conservation curriculum combines foundational biology coursework with specialized study in ecology, conservation, and the natural world. Students can explore topics ranging from aquatic ecosystems and wildlife to biodiversity and habitat preservation.

Catalog

Program Format, Location & Schedule

Format: On-campus program.
Location: Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri.
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Ecology/Conservation emphasis.
Schedule: Typically four years of full-time study, depending on course selection and individual progress.

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