About Ecology Undergraduate Programs

The Odum School is small, with approximately 180 undergraduates, allowing for a level of interaction with faculty, graduate students, and peers that is truly unique. The newly reinvigorated Ecology Club provides students with the opportunity to participate in projects showcasing the group’s focus areas of outreach, service and nature appreciation. From working to increase campus sustainability to nature hikes and participation in Earth Day, this group is a cohesive unit that continues to make its presence known on campus.

Careers in Ecology

With either a major or minor in ecology, an education from the Odum School is a great start to an exciting range of careers from conservation to environmental law to academia. Many students continue their education by enrolling in a graduate program, while others have gone on to the Peace Corps, non-profits, government agencies and more. Having a background in ecology gives our graduates an advantage since environmental issues are at the forefront of society. Students are strongly encouraged to get involved in independent research projects early in their college career, as a way to earn course credit outside the classroom format. Building science credentials through research and publication provides Odum School students with important hands-on experience that serves them well in future careers.

Course work

The Odum School of Ecology uses a multidisciplinary approach to provide an unparalleled experience to its undergraduate students. To be prepared for careers in ecology, students are provided a solid foundation in the fundamental sciences of biology, chemistry, calculus, physics and data analysis. With these tools, students then investigate more broadly the patterns of biodiversity through elective courses in geography, anthropology, natural history, environmental law and a host of other subjects.

Study Abroad & Study Away Programs

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in study abroad and Maymester programs. In locations including Costa Rica, New Zealand and Antarctica, students have the opportunity to experience classwork and fieldwork in areas such as tropical ecology and agroecology. And, of course, having an academic experience in another part of the world is an adventure all its own. More…

Student Ambassador Program

The Odum School of Ecology’s Student Ambassador Program launched in fall 2022. Student Ambassadors are undergraduate ecology majors who help host events—like our weekly ‘Waffle Wednesday’ and graduation receptions—that build a sense of community. They assist with campus visits, both meeting with prospective students and families and facilitating the opportunity for prospective students to shadow an undergraduate ecology course. They also contribute content through the Odum School’s social media channels, providing insight into the student experience. More…

Academic Opportunities

Enrich your undergraduate experience in and beyond the classroom by participating in independent research, internships, or directed readings. More…

Double Dawgs

In 2017, UGA launched the “Double Dawgs” initiative, to provide students a chance to combine their 4-year undergraduate degree with 1 additional year of graduate study in order to complete both a Bachelors and Masters degree within just 5 years. More…

Funding, Scholarships and Awards

The Odum School offers several competitive fellowships, scholarships and awards that provide funding for research, travel and related expenses. More…

Schedule a visit

We encourage prospective UGA students interested in learning more about our school to visit the Odum School and get a feel for our courses, community, and other opportunities. More…

Programs

B.S. in Ecology

The Bachelor of Science degree has a strong basic science emphasis and provides training in all levels of ecological study from organismal to population and community and ecosystem ecology. This program prepares students for graduate study in Ecology or allied fields or careers in ecological research, environmental consulting or work with governmental agencies in natural resource management or protection.

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A.B. in Ecology

Bachelor of Arts degree in Ecology is an interdisciplinary degree bringing together the natural and the social sciences, experiential learning, communication and group skills—in the context of understanding the environment to solve problems. Our program builds upon a strong core of Ecology courses that are shared with the existing Bachelor of Science degree and adds courses that allow students to consider human dimensions of ecological issues and become better equipped to synthesize and communicate challenges and solutions.

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Ecology Minor

Each day there are stories in the news about the environment.  These may focus on the effects of drought on water supplies, the possible role of climate change on hurricane occurrence and severity, or the role of urbanization in wildlife population declines.  If you are interested in journalism, politics, or anthropology, then knowledge of the science of ecology will provide an expertise that will distinguish you from others in your field.

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Certificate in Sustainability

The Certificate in Sustainability enhances opportunities for integrative, applied learning in interdisciplinary settings and prepares students to address difficult global sustainability issues. The certificate also works towards the University’s goal of incorporating sustainability into formal educational opportunities.

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Certificate in Environmental Ethics

The Environmental Ethics Certificate Program (EECP) is an interdisciplinary program offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels that prepares students to synthesize ideas from a wide variety of perspectives to solve complex environmental problems, both in theory and in practice.

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