Urban ecologists work with communities to build thriving neighborhoods with ecological sustainability. Urban ecology includes the study of many different organisms, such as birds, terrestrial vertebrates, plants and flowers and insects in urban environments, and many schools offer programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
10 Urban Ecology Schools
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Graduate Tuition & Fees (2015-2016)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan - Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | 4-year, Public | Master's Doctoral | $20,966 in-state, $42,016 out-of-state |
| Iowa State University | Ames, IA | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's | $9,172 in-state, $22,096 out-of-state |
| University of Washington - Seattle Campus | Seattle, WA | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $16,278 in-state, $28,326 out-of-state |
| University of California - Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA | 4-year, Public | Master's, Doctoral | (graduate) $12,629 in-state, $27,731 out-of-state |
| University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's | $12.048 in-state, $30,370 out-of-state |
| Rutgers University - New Brunswick | New Brunswick, NJ | 4-year, Public | Master's | $18,346 in-state, $29,722 out-of-state |
| Texas A&M University | College Station, TX | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $8,656 in-state, $18,138 out-of-state |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 4-year, Public | Master's | $10,418 in-state, $28,022 out-of-state |
| University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 4-year, Public | Master's | $10,750 in-state, $26,348 out-of-state |
| University of Colorado - Denver | Denver, CO | 4-year, Public | Master's | $7,804 in-state, $21,646 out-of-state |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics
College Selection Criteria
A prospective student might look for a school that teaches the effect trees and plants have on an urban setting and offers opportunities for field studies. Coursework may include hydrology, green roofs and buildings, community gardens and community ecological activities. Other considerations:
- Find programs with internships as part of their curriculum to gain hands-on experience.
- Know what career path you desire and whether that requires just a bachelor's or continued education.
- Some undergraduate programs may either be B.S. or B.A. degrees in urban ecology, with the former focusing on the science aspect, and the latter focusing on social/political aspects of the field.
- Urban managers or developers may need a master's for some careers.
Bachelor's Degree Program
Coursework leading to a bachelor's degree in urban ecology includes urban studies, mathematics, geography, politics, engineering and sociology. An urban ecology undergraduate program may touch on genetics and cell biology, plants, fungi, urban habitats, conservation techniques and animal behavior.
Master's Degree Program
Earning a master's degree is recommended for advancement in urban ecology. Master of Science programs in urban ecology cover conservation and land use principles, the ecological impact of economic and social policies and methods for redeveloping downtown areas to minimize ecological impact. Some master's degree programs integrate seamlessly with doctoral programs.
Doctoral Degree Program
At the doctoral level, students can look for a school that focuses on research in both technological and natural science and programs affiliated with an urban ecology research institute. Graduate urban ecology programs might have the support of departments such as architecture, biology, chemistry and atmospheric science. At the doctoral level, students investigate the interactions between nature and the community residents.
There are a lot of schools which offer undergraduate and graduate programs in urban ecology, and coursework will include classes in ecology and urban management. Most programs have advanced degree options for urban managers and developers.
