×

BS in Environmental Science: Conservation and Restoration Ecology

Biodiversity at local, regional, and global scales currently faces unprecedented threats from pressures including climate change, invasive species, and habitat alteration. Our conservation and restoration program prepares tomorrow's leaders to develop and implement effective strategies to protect and restore natural ecosystems. Students explore ecological principles, how humans interact with and impact ecosystems, and methods of repairing environmental damage.

Student collecting samples in a pond

Conservation and restoration ecology students learn how to protect and restore natural habitats and systems. 

Program Highlights

  • Our location at the confluence of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan is ideal for conservation studies.
  • Our unique ecology campus (LUREC), where you'll get your hands dirty restoring the campus to its natural habitat.
  • World-class institutions, including the Field Museum and Lincoln Park Zoo close to campus.
  • Diverse, interdisciplinary faculty with hands-on research experience.
  • A program that integrates research with social justice and a responsibility for ethical practices in the field.
  • Study abroad programs, including the unique ecosystem of Belize.

 

You'll have rare opportunities in:
  • Avian Relief Rescue - where you'll research the ecology as it relates to bird conservation.
  • Bird Conservation Network – the largest of its kind in the U.S.
  • Restoration work days at LUREC, where you'll get your hands dirty restoring the campus to its natural habitat.

What You'll Learn

  • A solid foundation in environmental science, environmental economics and policy,
  • How society can effectively enhance biodiversity.
  • Coursework, labs, and field experience offering a working knowledge of the current state-of-the-art in the Conservation and Restoration fields,
  • The ability to integrate scientific knowledge with ethical evaluation and apply their skills towards creating positive societal change.
  • The ability to identify major threats to biodiversity, and experience developing projects that address these threats.
  • Working with faculty mentors offers additional research opportunities at local, national, and international scales.
  • Many opportunities are also available to take courses and engage in conservation/restoration activities at LUREC, complete internships, and/or to study abroad.

Careers

Environmental and conservation groups regularly come to LUC/SES for students and future employees

This program helps prepares students for careers or advanced study in:

  • Government agencies
  • Conservation focused non-government organizations in consulting, outreach and extension or industry
  • The pursuit of advanced study in ecology, conservation, natural resource management, or other areas that involve interactions between human and natural systems.

Curriculum

Students studying Conservation and Restoration develop a solid foundation in environmental science, environmental economics and policy, and the ways that society can effectively enhance biodiversity.

Visit the course catalog to view the curriculum

Admission

To apply for admission and scholarship consideration, please visit the Office of Undergraduate Admission and indicate your interest in this program on your application. For more information, see the following resources:

Tuition and Financial Aid

The School of Environmental Sustainability strives to help students secure the necessary financial resources to make their graduate education at Loyola more affordable. Partial scholarships, limited external research grants, and work opportunities are offered to SES graduate students. Students are encouraged to seek external funding. Students who wish to be considered for internal partial tuition scholarships must complete applications by March 1. Scholarship decisions will be based on the student’s full file, including statements of research/interest, GPA, and letters of recommendation.

Biodiversity at local, regional, and global scales currently faces unprecedented threats from pressures including climate change, invasive species, and habitat alteration. Our conservation and restoration program prepares tomorrow's leaders to develop and implement effective strategies to protect and restore natural ecosystems. Students explore ecological principles, how humans interact with and impact ecosystems, and methods of repairing environmental damage.

Curriculum

Students studying Conservation and Restoration develop a solid foundation in environmental science, environmental economics and policy, and the ways that society can effectively enhance biodiversity.

Visit the course catalog to view the curriculum

Admission

To apply for admission and scholarship consideration, please visit the Office of Undergraduate Admission and indicate your interest in this program on your application. For more information, see the following resources:

Tuition and Financial Aid

The School of Environmental Sustainability strives to help students secure the necessary financial resources to make their graduate education at Loyola more affordable. Partial scholarships, limited external research grants, and work opportunities are offered to SES graduate students. Students are encouraged to seek external funding. Students who wish to be considered for internal partial tuition scholarships must complete applications by March 1. Scholarship decisions will be based on the student’s full file, including statements of research/interest, GPA, and letters of recommendation.