Biological Sciences
OFFERED AS:
Major
FORMAT:
In-Person
Credits Required:
120
Are you passionate about the outdoors and want to study nature up close? Kutztown University’s ecology degree is built for students who want to get outside the classroom and make a real impact on the environment
In the Organismal Biology and Ecology track within the Bachelor of Science in Biology, you’ll explore how plants, animals, and ecosystems interact by completing hands-on labs and field research. A major in ecology not only gives you an understanding of the world, but it also prepares you to protect it.
Turn your love for nature into a rewarding career.
Students who major in ecology at KU benefit from an immersive program designed to maximize hands-on learning and professional mentorship. With courses capped at just twenty-four students, you’ll be part of a community of scientists where collaboration and real-world experience are emphasized.
Here are three reasons students choose KU for an Ecology Degree:
At KU, our ecology degree is rooted in real-world learning. From your first year, you’ll step into the environment applying classroom knowledge directly in the field. Whether you’re collecting data in a local stream, working alongside faculty on original research, or interning at a wildlife sanctuary you'll build a resume full of professional accomplishments before you graduate.
Here’s what makes our major in ecology stand out:
Program Highlights:
Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the B.S. Biology degree will demonstrate advanced competence in their area of specialization, either organismal biology/ecology, cell biology/microbiology, pre-medical science, or allied health science.
Students will demonstrate proficiency in skills useful in gaining successful employment in biology-related positions or admission to graduate or professional programs.
Students completing the BS Biology degree will demonstrate writing skills such that they can effectively convey concepts and information in their discipline.
Students completing the BS Biology degree will demonstrate oral communication skills such that they can effectively convey concepts and information in their discipline.
Students completing the BS Biology degree will be able to effectively utilize the scientific method.
Students who major in ecology pursue careers in conservation, research, wildlife management, and environmental education. The following are job titles our graduates have pursued and their average annual salaries according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (2023):
While it’s possible to start a career with a major in ecology, many students choose to attend graduate school. The following is a list of graduate schools our ecology degree students have attended:
Graduate Programs:
Drexel University
Northern Arizona University
Oregon State University
Penn State University
Southern Illinois University
University of Arkansas
No, when you major in Ecology at KU an internship is not required. However, internships can still be completed for course credit and are highly encouraged. Our biology advisors are available to support students with internship placement and connect them to local organizations.
As a major studying ecology and our environment at Kutztown University, you are guaranteed hands-on career experience in the field. You’ll have the opportunity to work in our outdoor classroom spaces at the Ronald R. Rhein Environmental Study Area and the Regenerative Organic Agriculture Living Lab.
For more controlled and smaller laboratory experiments, you can utilize the Nancy Jean Stump Seiger Botanical Research Center.