
Janet Duey Professor of Rural Land Policy; Director, Wetlands Laboratory
A concentration in Ecology and Conservation will equip you to be an active, real-world champion of the environment—an expert who applies problem-solving techniques to the ecological issues confronting a variety of natural and managed ecosystems. You’ll explore ecology, climate-change impacts, ecosystem restoration, endangered species, GIS, soil, and the management of fisheries, forests, wildlife, lakes, watersheds, streams, and wetlands.
Develop skills in GIS, modeling, and critical thinking, ready to apply sound ecological principles to analyze and address environmental problems. Learn how to integrate ecological science with sound public policy to protect and enhance the planet’s biological resources. The rigorous, hands-on nature of our program will prepare you for a rewarding career with environmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, or industry positions from local to international levels.
14STUDENTS FOCUSED ON ECOLOGY & CONSERVATION (Spring 2021)
1:1FACULTY: STUDENT RATIO (2021)
100%MSES PLACEMENT RATE (2021)
You’ll begin by mastering the fundamentals reflected in the MSES program's core competencies. Your Environmental Science core courses (15 credit hours) will give you well-developed knowledge of environmental science and management, along with strong analytical skills. Along with the core sciences classes all MSES students are required to take two courses (6 credit hours) of Economics, Policy and Law as well as one course (3 credit hours) of Tool Skills. These 24 credit hours will ensure that you have well developed science background, along with the tools and skills to apply that knowledge in the real world.
The ecology and conservation concertation focuses on problem-solving techniques applied to current ecological issues. We want to ensure all MSES students are highly prepared and motivated to enter today's job market, so along with the core competencies, students pursing a concentration in Ecology and Conversation will take two courses (6 credit hours) in the Field and Identification core and four courses (12 credit hours) in the Ecology and Conservation core:
*For undergraduate level courses or courses outside of O’Neill you will need to work with an advisor.
*For courses outside of O’Neill you will need to work with an advisor.
Combining your MSES degree with the MPA can offer you unique advantages in pursuing a particular career, integrating science and policy for better leadership. Our faculty will work to accommodate your specialized professional interests and help you design a program that is best or you.
The above are examples of your course options. For a complete listing, see the official Indiana University Graduate Bulletin and work with your advisor as you make your schedule.
The MSES program offers far more than traditional lectures and lessons. You'll also get the benefit of experiential learning—typically through an approved internship or research project. What's more, your concentration's course work will culminate in a project-oriented course—an O’Neill Capstone that lets you apply the knowledge you gained throughout the program.
O’Neill’s dedicated Career Hub will assist you as you seek an internship or post-graduate employment, and our alumni community is an excellent lead source.
Also check out the CDO’s Explore Careers & Outcomes page.
You can join the O’Neill Environmental Management & Sustainable Development Association, one of many professional student organizations that offer networking and current information on events in the industry.
Janet Duey Professor of Rural Land Policy; Director, Wetlands Laboratory
Senior Lecturer, Director of the Indiana Clean Lakes Program, Certified Lake Professional
Professor; Director, Environmental Master's Programs
“My focus in Applied Ecology shapes my thinking about the impacts of my wind and solar farms on the environment, both actual impacts and the more nebulous regulatory impacts. Other courses, such as Environmental Engineering, prepared me for the hard science aspects like electrical and civil engineering.”
Cummings is a project manager for EDP Renewables North America in Indianapolis.