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Receive a graduate education from an accredited institution.

Applied Ecology—MS

Our research looks at natural and human-dominated ecosystems. We model nitrous oxide, track carbon cycling, and dig deep to understand mitigate critical climate-changing interactions. We seek solutions to restore and sustain world biomes. Are you ready?

Program Overview

Humans have impacted huge amounts of our planet. A master's in applied ecology at Michigan Tech examines and addresses the ecological challenges, and solutions. We trace, analyze, and calibrate. We study glacial retreat, wetland and lake shore vegetation—and employ networks of forest, rural, and urban landscapes around the globe as laboratories for integrative research. Michigan Tech leads the world’s longest study on predator-prey relationships, the over fifty year investigation of wolves and moose on Isle Royale.

Delivery Options
- On-Campus: MS

Applied Ecology Program Details

Choose a specific degree option or delivery type to learn more about the applied ecology program at Michigan Tech. For international students, Applied Ecology is a designated STEM program.

On-Campus Programs

MS, Applied Ecology: Thesis Option

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	20 Credits
Thesis research	6-10 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Applied Ecology: Report Option

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in twelve months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in coursework other than the project:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	24 Credits
Report	2-6 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Applied Ecology: Coursework Option

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate School. See degree requirements for more information.

A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree and may require more than the minimum credits listed here:

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	18 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Additional Program Information

Want to learn more about applied ecology at Michigan Tech? Visit the department for more information:

Contact

Graduate Director

Molly Cavaleri

Graduate Assistant

Marjorie Banovetz

Sample Areas of Interest

Select areas of interest to help customize your applied ecology MS. Sample areas include:

Conservation Genetics
Mammalian Ecology
Nutrient Cycling
Tree Physiology Ecology

View full listing for this program

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts or test scores are needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps. International applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

See Admissions Steps

Graduate School Admissions Options

Michigan Tech offers several admissions options in order to meet the educational needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. Students should review the options available to them and apply for the program that will best help them achieve their personal educational goals.

See Admissions Options

Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Student Statements

Official Transcripts

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific

3 Letters of Recommendation (1 Letter of Recommendation for Michigan Tech students)
Résumé / Curriculum vitae
GRE not required
Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
Please view our faculty webpage and identify three faculty members that you would like to work with

International Students

TOEFL: Required Minimum Score of 79 iBT
IELTS: Required Minimum Overall Band Score of 6.5

Michigan Tech requires a minimum 79 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis.

Recommended Deadline

Apply at least a semester in advance of projected admission to improve your chances of receiving funding.

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Accredited by HLC

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928. Our Graduate School offers over 125 certificates, master's, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.

Who You'll Work With

From studying sustainable landscapes to peatland and wetland restoration, our faculty are collaborative and interdisciplinary. They'll work with you to create a program that matches your career goals.

Where You'll Work

Michigan Tech is located in an area of high wetland abundance and biodiversity — the ideal location for study and research of ecosystem and organismal functions. The campus community is surrounded by one of the largest forested areas in the eastern United States and enjoys multiple water resources, including Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world.

Faculty Spotlight

Yvette Dickinson

Yvette Dickinson

Adjunct Professor

"We use forests every day. Sustainable forest management affects everyone."

Silviculture applies ecological knowledge to management of forests for wildlife habitat, ecosystem health, timber, and other benefits. Dickinson investigates new techniques for sustainably managing forests so that they will continue to provide benefits for future generations.

Program Faculty