Ecology

Why Study Ecology at U of G?

Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with one another and with their environment. As the world faces complex environmental challenges, ecologists play a vital role in understanding and conserving biodiversity and shaping sustainable solutions for the future.

The Ecology major at the University of Guelph combines a strong foundation in the principles of ecology with applied training in the field, as well as an introduction to the economic, legal, and policy issues that influence environmental management. Tailor your degree to match your interests and future careers, with a variety of courses focused on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems; policy, law and management; and conservation.

Address Pressing Issues

Ecologists work to address a wide variety of challenges, including the impacts of habitat loss and climate change on wildlife, and are involved with species conservation, ecosystem restoration, invasive species management, and more.

Contribute to Ecological Research

Our faculty work in both land and aquatic ecosystems on a broad range of topics, such as how plants respond to pollinator decline, conservation strategies for endangered butterflies, and the impacts of agriculture on aquatic ecosystems. There are opportunities for Ecology students to get involved, including through a fourth-year independent research project.

Go Beyond the Classroom

Students have opportunities to gain hands-on experiences through on-campus teaching and research facilities, including greenhouses, an aquatic research facility, and the Arboretum, a 400-acre collection of trees and shrubs, as well as field courses to Algonquin Provincial Park and the Bay of Fundy.

To see all courses offered in the Ecology program, visit the Academic Calendar.

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Top Comprehensive University: in Canada (Maclean’s)
Top 150 in the World: for Life Sciences (Times Higher Education 2025)
Top 20% in the World: for Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
Top 5 in Canada: for Ecology (EduRank 2025)

Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op

The Ecology co-op is a five-year program that includes four paid work terms. Apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to the real world, with hands-on work experiences available in private, non-profit, and governmental organizations. Benefits of co-op include:

Up to 16 months of relevant work experience
Earn money while you learn
Career exploration
Professional networking

Students can apply for the co-op program directly from high school or later for in-course admission. Learn more about the Ecology Co-op program.

An Ecology Co-op Student Reflects on his Term in Nunavut

Aquaculture Technician
Assistant Evaluator
Environmental Technician
Research Assistant
Soil Physical Quality Assistant
Stewardship Assistantship
Student Forester

Careers in Ecology

An Ecology major provides a strong foundation for careers in conservation, resource management, ecological consulting, or nature interpretation used in teaching, government, and the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, as well as for further post-graduate training in fundamental ecology, environmental biology and environmental management or policy.

Here are just a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:

Conservation ecologist
Habitat conservation and restoration consultant
Education and nature interpretation
Environmental protection agent
Resource management
Scientific writer/editor

Hear From Ecology Students and Graduates

The Ecology program is a great way to better understand the world around you. By taking various classes such as ecology, natural resource economics, and molecular biology, the program allows you to understand the complexity of the environment from a more holistic perspective. Co-op allowed me to put what I learned in class to practical use and learn from people in the environmental field. You can also customize your upper-year degree to focus on your interests!

Anna Zandvliet, Undergraduate Student
Ecology [B.Sc. (Env.) '27]

Choosing Ecology at the University of Guelph has been one of the best choices I have made! Many courses within the program have provided me with meaningful hands-on experience through fieldwork and data analysis, which has helped accelerate my career as an ecologist. Additionally, the Ecology program has a strong sense of community, which has provided me with lifelong friendships and invaluable connections. I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone who would like to make a difference in our environment!

Nicole Byrne, Alumni
Ecology Graduate [B.Sc. (Env.) '24]

Ecology graduate Eugene Cha is standing outside in the water holding a hermit crab. a hermit crab.

Ecology, at its core, is a field of passion to make a positive change in the world. Many of the incredibly kind staff and fellow students will share your efforts and passions - this is what I like most about the major. Under the broad umbrella of Ecology, I gained strong knowledge in evolution, microbiology, zoology, botany, and much more, all while being super engaged by passionate professors and TAs. Ultimately, Ecology has provided me with various tools that I can competently apply anywhere, including in my career; I highly recommend this major!

Eugene Cha, Alumni
Toxicology Technologist, Labstat International, Ecology Graduate [B.Sc. (Env.) '24]

The Ecology program at U of G allowed me to pursue meaningful ecological research while earning credits toward my degree. Under the supervision of distinguished professors and incredible staff at the Phytotron, a specialized plant growth facility in the College of Biological Science located on the roof of the Summerlee Science Complex, I conducted a publishable ecological project while learning about the technical aspects of experimental design and greenhouse management.

Caelen McCabe, Alumni
Ecology [B.Sc. (Env.) '25]
Hear more about Caelen's research in the Phytotron

The Ecology program is a great way to better understand the world around you. By taking various classes such as ecology, natural resource economics, and molecular biology, the program allows you to understand the complexity of the environment from a more holistic perspective. Co-op allowed me to put what I learned in class to practical use and learn from people in the environmental field. You can also customize your upper-year degree to focus on your interests!

Anna Zandvliet, Undergraduate Student
Ecology [B.Sc. (Env.) '27]

Choosing Ecology at the University of Guelph has been one of the best choices I have made! Many courses within the program have provided me with meaningful hands-on experience through fieldwork and data analysis, which has helped accelerate my career as an ecologist. Additionally, the Ecology program has a strong sense of community, which has provided me with lifelong friendships and invaluable connections. I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone who would like to make a difference in our environment!

Nicole Byrne, Alumni
Ecology Graduate [B.Sc. (Env.) '24]

Ecology, at its core, is a field of passion to make a positive change in the world. Many of the incredibly kind staff and fellow students will share your efforts and passions - this is what I like most about the major. Under the broad umbrella of Ecology, I gained strong knowledge in evolution, microbiology, zoology, botany, and much more, all while being super engaged by passionate professors and TAs. Ultimately, Ecology has provided me with various tools that I can competently apply anywhere, including in my career; I highly recommend this major!

Eugene Cha, Alumni
Toxicology Technologist, Labstat International, Ecology Graduate [B.Sc. (Env.) '24]

The Ecology program at U of G allowed me to pursue meaningful ecological research while earning credits toward my degree. Under the supervision of distinguished professors and incredible staff at the Phytotron, a specialized plant growth facility in the College of Biological Science located on the roof of the Summerlee Science Complex, I conducted a publishable ecological project while learning about the technical aspects of experimental design and greenhouse management.

Caelen McCabe, Alumni
Ecology [B.Sc. (Env.) '25]
Hear more about Caelen's research in the Phytotron

The Ecology program is a great way to better understand the world around you. By taking various classes such as ecology, natural resource economics, and molecular biology, the program allows you to understand the complexity of the environment from a more holistic perspective. Co-op allowed me to put what I learned in class to practical use and learn from people in the environmental field. You can also customize your upper-year degree to focus on your interests!

Anna Zandvliet, Undergraduate Student
Ecology [B.Sc. (Env.) '27]

Choosing Ecology at the University of Guelph has been one of the best choices I have made! Many courses within the program have provided me with meaningful hands-on experience through fieldwork and data analysis, which has helped accelerate my career as an ecologist. Additionally, the Ecology program has a strong sense of community, which has provided me with lifelong friendships and invaluable connections. I would wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone who would like to make a difference in our environment!

Nicole Byrne, Alumni
Ecology Graduate [B.Sc. (Env.) '24]