Michigan State University

What you'll study

The programme builds a foundation in ecological and environmental science, then applies that knowledge to conservation, resource assessment and management. Core topics typically include ecology, conservation biology, soil science, hydrology and watershed management, wildlife and fisheries ecology, and environmental policy and economics. Students gain quantitative skills through courses in statistics, experimental design and spatial analysis (GIS and remote sensing), and learn laboratory and field methods for sampling, monitoring and restoration.

• Core ecology and resource science: population and community ecology, ecosystem processes, conservation biology.
• Physical and applied sciences: soil science, hydrology, water quality, landscape ecology.
• Quantitative and technical skills: statistics for ecological data, GIS and remote sensing, modelling and data management.
• Policy, planning and management: natural resource policy, environmental law and economics, land use planning.
• Practical experience: laboratory courses, field techniques, long‑term monitoring projects and an independent research project or capstone.

Instruction combines lectures, lab sessions and extensive fieldwork. Opportunities exist to undertake undergraduate research with faculty, participate in internships with public agencies and NGOs, and use MSU’s research infrastructure, such as field stations and specialised labs, for experiential learning.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a completed secondary school qualification equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma with a strong academic record, particularly in science and mathematics. Recommended subjects include biology, chemistry, algebra or precalculus, and earth or environmental science. Successful applicants typically demonstrate preparedness for college-level science through prior coursework and grades, and may be asked to show evidence of field or laboratory experience, extracurricular involvement related to environmental issues, or a statement of purpose explaining interest in natural resources.

International applicants must meet MSU’s general admission criteria for international students, including proficiency in English. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and descriptions of prior coursework for credit evaluation. Specific programme prerequisites and competitive admissions expectations are available from the university admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of roles in conservation and resource management, with career paths that can include:

• Conservation scientist or natural resource manager for federal or state agencies
• Environmental consultant focusing on habitat assessment, restoration or regulatory compliance
• Wildlife, fisheries or watershed biologist working in monitoring and applied research
• GIS technician or spatial analyst supporting planning and resource inventories
• Research assistant or field technician in academic or government research projects
• Positions in non‑profit conservation organisations, land trusts and environmental education
• Graduate study in ecology, conservation biology, environmental policy, or natural resource management

The programme’s emphasis on applied skills, data analysis and research experience is designed to help graduates move directly into professional roles or continue into specialised postgraduate training.

Why study at Michigan State University

As a land‑grant research university, Michigan State offers strong interdisciplinary expertise in natural resource science and applied conservation. Students benefit from active research faculty, extensive field stations and on‑campus laboratories that support hands‑on learning and undergraduate research. The university’s connections with state and federal agencies, conservation organisations and industry provide internship and employment opportunities across the Great Lakes region and beyond.

MSU emphasises experiential education—students can take part in long‑term monitoring projects, restoration efforts and applied research at facilities such as regional field stations. A broad range of student organisations, extension programmes and study‑abroad options further support professional development and practical experience in conservation and resource research.