Ecosystem Science and Sustainability Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability is one of five academic departments in Colorado State University’s Warner College of Natural Resources , the most comprehensive natural resources college in the nation. The Department brings together top faculty leading global research in ecosystem science and sustainability and watershed science. Students engage in field work, laboratory training, and technical instruction to examine and explore the sustainability of local, regional and global resources.  CSU’s campus is located along the Front Range of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, providing students with unique access to a wide variety of ecosystems, such as alpine, subalpine, montane, foothills and shortgrass steppe, that serve as living classrooms for hands-on learning.  Students graduating from the Department will have strong scientific preparation combined with a global perspective for placement in a variety of careers and graduate schools.

two people sit on steps outside a building
four people looking down at a tree tape measure
a group of students sit on some rocks on top a mountain

Our Undergraduate Degrees

Majors

Ecosystem Science and Sustainability Major

Humans are intensifying their use of natural resources, and the demand for professionals who understand and can sustainably manage those resources will continue to grow. The Bachelor of Science in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability degree provides students with the strategies for understanding how ecosystem services can be maintained around the globe, and the curriculum provides students with a strong scientific foundation in ecosystem ecology integrated with a broad knowledge of the cultural, social, economic and political issues that are shaping the issue of sustainability. Read more.

Minor

Watershed Science & Sustainability Major and Minor

CSU’s Watershed Science & Sustainability program has a fifty-year legacy of interdisciplinary study of the natural processes and human activities that affect freshwater resources. Watershed scientists study the physical, chemical, social, and biological factors that affect the quantity, quality, and flux of water. The Bachelor of Science in Watershed Science & Sustainability degree prepares students with the skills needed for careers that address complex water issues, and the curriculum provides a solid background in science, policy, and quantitative skills necessary for tackling the challenges associated with creating a sustainable environment for water use in the twenty-first century. Students in the Watershed Science & Sustainability major choose between three concentrations: Watershed Data, Watershed Science, or Watershed Sustainability to meet their personal goals within the program. Read more.

Why Study Ecosystem Science and Sustainability?

Our program combines in-depth scientific expertise in ecosystem ecology with practical applications. Students explore how physical, ecological, and societal systems interact, learning to collaborate across disciplines and with stakeholders in government, industry, and nonprofit organizations.

Our students graduate with:

  • In-depth knowledge of ecosystem science and sustainability
  • Skills in data analysis, modeling, and collaborative research
  • Experience working on interdisciplinary teams and engaging with decision-makers
  • Tools for systems thinking, critical analysis, and solution development at local to global scales

A Focus on Solutions

This program emphasizes applied learning and practical impact. You’ll engage directly with challenges related to water, food, energy, greenhouse gas management, land use change, and sustainable urban development. Through CSU’s renowned Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory and global network of partners, you’ll gain hands-on experience through research and community-based projects in Colorado and around the world.

Connected Locally, Relevant Globally

Students benefit from strong ties to local governments (Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver), conservation nonprofits, and community groups across Colorado’s Front Range. At the same time, our reach is global, with active research in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Undergraduate Student Resources

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Nikki Foxley

Nikki Foxley

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Dr. Kaye Holman

Kaye Holman

  • Academic Success/Internship Coordinator/WCNR Learning Communities Director
  • Office: NESB A114
  • Contact:
Schedule a Meeting with Dr. Kaye Holman