Conservation Ecology degree

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi,
I am currently majoring in probably Anthropology, with a minor basically in ecology and env. ethics. I am interested in the fields of ecological anthropology, ethnobotany, conservation ecology/biology, and sustainable development. The reason I dont think I want to directly major in ecology is I think college is a great time to learn and learn how to think creatively, and maybe im a little biased but i think i am finding anthropology to do this more than science. I do like being outside, working with communities anf problem solving, and really like the idea of ecology. I plan on taking a semester to study biodiversity conservation and sustainable development at the School For Field Studies in my junior year. I know it is early to be thinking about grad school, but I know a lot of Master’s focusing on conservation do like anthropology bachelors, especially if they have an environmental focus. </p>

<li><p>Is majoring in anthro a good idea for the sort of degree and profession i am interested in? I go to Bard College by the way</p></li>
<li><p>I am looking into </p></li>
</ol>

<p>a. University of Georgia has a M.S in Conservation Ecology and Sustainable Development as well as a M.S certificate in the program where I could grab a M.A in ecological anthro or something else.</p>

<p>b. Yale School of Forestry and the Environment: MEM in Env Management</p>

<p>c. University of Hawaii for anthropology, conservation ecology, and ethnobotany</p>

<p>Any other suggestions? Thanks for advice</p>

2

<p>Your plan sounds good - and interesting. I think you'll be fine as long as you take enough of the prerequisite science courses (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics,...) and finish w/good grades and GRE scores.</p>

<p>Certain schools can be very finicky, though. I know someone who graduated with a Forestry degree and had great grades and GRE scores, yet was rejected by a program at Yale. But graduate admissions is another issue...</p>

3

<p>From the UC Davis site:
Students complete a two-quarter sequence of core courses in ecological theory and its applications, then choose a more specialized area to complete their degree requirements. Area specializations include agricultural ecology, conservation ecology, ecosystems and landscape ecology, ecotoxicology, environmental policy analysis, human ecology, integrative ecology, marine ecology, physiological ecology, and restoration ecology. Opportunities for research in a variety of environments are available. Students whose interests are not met by existing specialization areas may develop their own with the integrative ecology option.</p>