![Ecology Major](/.netlify/images?w=420&h=160&fit=cover&position=center&fm=jpg&q=75&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.liveugconthub.uoguelph.dev%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F2022-08%2FEcology.jpg&cd=95bdac59ba9037e086b3c9b1d983b5cf)
Ecology
Why Ecology?
Ecology combines the best of many worlds, including biology, environmental sciences and geology, to better understand the relationships organisms have with their environments.
To see all courses offered in this degree, visit the Academic Calendar.
A Growing, Multidisciplinary Field
How do plants, animals, and microbes interact with their surroundings? Through field-based work and theoretical knowledge, explore how humans help and hinder these connections. Ecology draws on many other fields, including biology, environmental sciences and geology.
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, Man., Nova Scotia and more, and make use of incredible research facilities on campus, such as the Phytotron and Hagen Aqualab.
- Top 5 Comprehensive University
- in Canada (Macleans 2024)
- Top 150 in the World
- for Life Sciences (Times Higher Education 2024)
- Top 20% in the World
- for Biological Sciences (QS Top Universities 2024)
- Top 5 in Canada
- for Ecology (EduRank 2024)
![Students in the forest](/.netlify/images?w=500&h=500&fm=png&q=75&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.liveugconthub.uoguelph.dev%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2F2024-07%2Fecology-square.png&cd=abf767e0d97cadccf22009c3a323464e)
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 students graduate with a deep understanding of the complex relationships between 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
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
- Earning while learning
- Career exploration
- Professional networking
Students can apply for the co-op program directly from high school or later for in-course admission.
To see all courses offered in the co-op program, visit the Academic Calendar.
Hear From Ecology Students
Discover More Options
Students considering studying Ecology may also be interested in studying Marine and Freshwater Biology, Wildlife Biology and Conservation, Environmental Biology or other majors.
Admission Requirements
Explore admission requirements for Canadian, international, transfer, and mature students. Start your journey today!
Scholarships & Bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial aid programs to assist with funding your education at the University of Guelph.
Tour Our Campus
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Have Questions?
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