Ecology
Why Study Ecology at U of G?
Ecology combines the best of many worlds, including biology, environmental sciences and geology, to better understand the relationships organisms have with their environments.
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.
To see all courses offered in the Ecology program, visit the Academic Calendar.
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.
- 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)
Careers 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 graduates have successfully pursued:
- Habitat conservation and restoration consultant
- Environmental protection agent
- Scientific writer/editor
- Conservation ecologist
Hear From Ecology Students
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!
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!
Discover More Options
Students considering Ecology may also be interested in 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.
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