Pace University

What you'll study

The programme combines core scientific training, quantitative methods and practical fieldwork to prepare students for applied conservation and research roles. Coursework typically covers key ecological principles, conservation biology, habitat restoration, environmental policy and natural resource management, together with training in spatial analysis and statistical modelling.

• Core topics: population and community ecology, conservation genetics, ecosystem dynamics, and conservation planning.
• Quantitative and technical skills: GIS and remote sensing for natural resources, ecological statistics and data analysis, experimental design, and modelling of population and landscape processes.
• Applied skills and methods: field sampling techniques, habitat assessment, restoration methods, wildlife survey protocols and laboratory techniques for genetic and ecological analyses.
• Research component: an independent research project or thesis supervised by faculty, integrating field or lab data with contemporary analytical approaches; alternative capstone options may be available involving internships or applied research with external partners.
• Interdisciplinary perspectives: courses in environmental policy, natural resource economics, stakeholder engagement and conservation law to situate scientific practice within management and policy contexts.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold an accredited bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, forestry, natural resource management or a closely related discipline. Strong applicants demonstrate quantitative competence, field or laboratory experience and a commitment to conservation practice or research.

• Academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals.
• Letters of recommendation, typically from academic or professional referees familiar with the applicant’s scientific potential.
• A curriculum vitae or résumé summarising relevant academic, research and field experience.
• Depending on individual backgrounds, applicants may be asked to demonstrate proficiency in statistics or GIS, or to complete preparatory undergraduate coursework prior to advanced classes.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles across government, non‑profit, private and academic sectors where scientific expertise in natural resources is required. The programme emphasises transferable scientific and technical skills valued by employers.

• Government agencies: conservation scientist, wildlife or fisheries biologist, natural resource manager at local, state or federal agencies.
• Non-governmental organisations: conservation programme manager, restoration specialist, policy analyst or scientific communicator for environmental NGOs.
• Private sector: environmental consultant, ecological surveyor, GIS analyst and restoration practitioner for consultancies and engineering firms.
• Research and academia: research technician, project coordinator or further study toward doctoral research in ecology, conservation biology or environmental science.

Why study at Pace University

Pace offers proximity to a wide variety of ecosystems—from urban and coastal environments to forested watersheds—providing diverse sites for field training and applied research. Faculty bring applied research experience and active collaborations with regional agencies, conservation organisations and community partners, creating opportunities for internships and joint projects.

• Applied, place-based training: hands-on field courses and projects that leverage nearby habitats, estuaries and urban landscapes for real-world learning.
• Interdisciplinary environment: access to complementary programmes in environmental studies, urban planning and policy that support integrated approaches to resource management.
• Industry and agency links: established relationships with regional conservation organisations, government agencies and consulting firms that support internships and employment pathways.
• Research supervision: small-class and supervisory arrangements that allow thesis students to work closely with faculty on original research.