Department Overview
Established in 2011, the Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability (ESS) examines the complex physical, chemical, biological, and human interactions shaping ecosystems and watersheds. Through interdisciplinary research, outreach, and education, we aim to understand how to protect and steward Earth’s natural resources in the face of human-accelerated climate change.
The Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability currently offers the following degrees and certificates:
- Major in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
- Major in Watershed Science and Sustainability
- Minor in Watershed Science
- Graduate Certificate in Carbon Management
- Graduate Certificate in Water Resources
- Graduate Certificate in Environmental Data Science
- Master of Science in Ecosystem Sustainability
- Master of Science in Watershed Science
- Professional Science Master’s in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability (distance or on-campus)
- Ph.D. in Ecosystem Sustainability
- Ph.D. in Watershed Science
Mission
Our mission is to understand ecosystem function and change across space and through time and to approach this understanding by examining interactions within and between natural and human systems. Through discovery and education, we contribute to understanding and sustaining ecosystems and their services. We examine these in the context of current stresses such as changing climate, species introductions, land-use change and intensification. Our department uses state-of-the-art technologies and approaches to provide a quality education to future scientists, educators and decision makers, conducts cutting edge interdisciplinary research, and delivers culturally relevant outreach programs that empower our students and the general public locally, nationally, and internationally.
