University of Oregon

What you'll study

This programme emphasises integrative, research-driven training in the science and practice of conserving natural resources across terrestrial, freshwater and coastal ecosystems. Students take core graduate courses in topics such as conservation biology, population and community ecology, ecosystem management, spatial ecology and landscape analysis, and quantitative methods for ecology and natural resource assessment.

• Core topics: conservation theory and practice, population dynamics, habitat restoration, disturbance ecology.
• Quantitative skills: ecological statistics, experimental design, modelling of population and landscape processes, GIS and remote sensing for resource assessment.
• Applied methods: field methods in ecology, long-term monitoring design, sampling techniques, bioassessment and biomonitoring approaches.
• Policy and management: natural resource policy and law, stakeholder engagement, adaptive management and decision analysis.
• Research component: an independent master's research project or thesis conducted under faculty supervision, often involving fieldwork, laboratory analysis, or synthesis of large environmental datasets.

Programme structure typically combines seminars, advanced electives and a substantial research thesis or applied project. Students can tailor electives to specialisms such as wildlife ecology, freshwater conservation, forest and rangeland management, restoration ecology or geospatial analysis. Collaborative projects with state and federal agencies, non-profit organisations and campus research labs are common.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, forestry, geography or a closely related field, with a strong academic record. Admissions committees look for evidence of quantitative competency (coursework or experience in statistics, mathematics, or data analysis) and prior field or laboratory experience.

• Academic background: a recognised undergraduate degree with good grades; honours or research experience is advantageous.
• Supporting documents: a CV, statement of purpose describing research interests and career goals, and two to three academic or professional references.
• Research fit: applicants should identify potential faculty supervisors whose research aligns with their interests; direct contact with prospective supervisors can strengthen an application.
• English language: for applicants whose first language is not English, evidence of proficiency is required; competitive scores on tests such as IELTS or TOEFL are expected.
• Professional experience: relevant work or volunteer experience in fieldwork, conservation projects or natural resource agencies is beneficial but not strictly required for all applicants.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme move into a wide range of roles that blend science, management and policy. Typical career destinations include environmental consulting firms, federal and state natural resource agencies, conservation NGOs, habitat restoration companies, and research institutions. Many alumni take roles such as conservation scientist, wildlife or fisheries biologist, restoration ecologist, environmental planner, GIS analyst, or policy adviser on resource management.

The programme also prepares students for continued academic study (PhD) and for positions that require strong quantitative and field skills, such as monitoring and assessment specialists, ecological modelers and programme managers for conservation initiatives.

Why study at University of Oregon

The University of Oregon offers a strong experiential learning environment with ready access to a diversity of Pacific Northwest ecosystems—coastal estuaries, temperate rainforests, rivers and montane landscapes—ideal for field-based research and teaching. The campus fosters interdisciplinary collaboration across biology, environmental studies, geography and allied departments, giving students a broad toolkit for addressing complex conservation problems.

Students benefit from faculty actively engaged in applied and theoretical research, opportunities for partnerships with state and federal agencies and regional conservation organisations, and access to laboratory facilities and geospatial resources. The programme’s emphasis on combining rigorous quantitative training with hands-on fieldwork makes it well suited to students aiming for impactful careers in conservation science and resource management.