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.

 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