Ecology (ECOL)
Admission Requirements
Ontario Requirements
Out of Province Requirements
International Requirements
Explore Connections Between Organisms and Environments
A Growing, Multidisciplinary Field
How do plants, animals, and microbes interact with their surroundings? Explore how humans help and hinder these connections through field-based work and theoretical knowledge. Ecology draws on many other fields, including geology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
Understand Broad Ecological Topics
Our faculty work in both land and aquatic ecosystems on a broad range of topics, including how organisms respond to changing environmental conditions, the structure and dynamics of populations and communities, and ecosystems processes.
Go Beyond the Classroom
Immerse yourself in great field courses taking you to Algonquin Park, Churchill, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and more, as well as utilizing facilties such as the Phyotron and Hagen Aqualab.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Ecology?
Why do species become endangered? What happens to an ecosystem when a species is removed? Our Ecology graduates from the University of Guelph go on to make ecologically sound decisions in their careers that promote sustainable ecosystems and relationships between humans, organisms and the environment.
Here are just a few careers our ECOL program graduates have successfully pursued:
- Habitat conservation and restoration consultant
- Environmental protection agent
- Scientific writer/editor
- Conservation ecologist
Why Ecology?
Ecology combines the best of many worlds: including geology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, to better understand the relationships organisms have with their environments, as well as how humans can optimize these connections.
Students in the Ecology ECOL program may also be interested in studying Marine and Freshwater Biology, Wildlife Biology and Conservation, Environmental Biology or other majors.
Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op
Our Ecology co-op is a five-year program, with four co-op work terms, providing opportunities to work with a wide variety of employers. Co-op is designed to facilitate the transition of students from academic studies to a professional career improving students’ job search skills, work performance and networking abilities, and boosting resume experience.
Hear From An Ecology Student
It’s hard to think of anything I dislike about my program, but I think what I like the most about the environmental sciences degree is the versatility. You don’t have to choose your major until second year, so you have tons of time to explore your options and see which major appeals to you.
Scholarships
In 2021, more than $42.7 million in scholarships was awarded to U of G students. Learn more about applications, requirements and available Scholarships.
Tour Our Campus
Through virtual tours, presentations, webinars and in-person tours, get familiar with the University of Guelph campus.
Have Questions?
Learn more about how to connect, discover, and engage with programs, facilities and life at the University of Guelph.
Talk to a Current Student
Don’t just take it from us – hear from one of our many students on their experiences with Guelph, integrating into U of G life, and much more. Start chatting with students from Canada or international students.