Harvey Mudd College

What you'll study

The curriculum blends core STEM coursework with specialised modules in ecology, conservation and resource assessment. Students take foundational classes in biology, chemistry and calculus alongside statistics and quantitative methods, then move into major-specific subjects that emphasise fieldwork, data analysis and applied conservation practice.

• Core scientific foundations — cell and organismal biology, general chemistry, calculus, and statistics to support rigorous experimental work.
• Ecology and conservation — community and population ecology, conservation biology, restoration ecology, and landscape ecology that cover principles of biodiversity, species interactions and ecosystem function.
• Methods and technology — field methods in sampling and monitoring, laboratory techniques, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing fundamentals, and ecological modelling.
• Research design and practicum — courses on experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication, typically culminating in a supervised undergraduate research project or senior thesis.
• Policy, ethics and socioecological context — modules exploring environmental policy, resource economics, stakeholder engagement and the social dimensions of conservation practice.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options — opportunities to take related courses across the Claremont Colleges consortium in areas such as environmental law, urban ecology, or technical computing for scientists.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and evaluates academic preparation, quantitative ability, and evidence of interest in science and the environment. Typical preparation for prospective students includes:

• Strong secondary‑school performance with coursework in biology and chemistry.
• Mathematics through at least algebra and precalculus; calculus is strongly recommended and often expected.
• Experience with fieldwork, science projects or research is advantageous but not mandatory; demonstrable interest through extracurricular activities, internships or independent study is valued.
• Successful applicants typically show proficiency in written and oral communication, critical thinking, and collaborative problem solving.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles in conservation science, natural resource management and environmental research, as well as further study. Common career paths include:

• Conservation scientist or field biologist with government agencies, NGOs or private conservation organisations.
• Natural resource manager working on habitat restoration, fisheries, forestry or protected‑area management.
• Environmental consultant conducting impact assessments, biodiversity surveys and monitoring programmes.
• GIS analyst or data scientist focused on spatial analysis for conservation planning and natural resource decision‑making.
• Research assistant or technician supporting academic and applied research projects, often a stepping stone to graduate study (MSc/PhD) in ecology, conservation biology or environmental science.

Why study at Harvey Mudd College

Harvey Mudd offers a strong STEM emphasis with heavy undergraduate involvement in research and small class sizes that foster close mentorship from faculty. The college’s curriculum emphasises quantitative reasoning and experimental design, equipping students to address complex conservation problems with rigorous analytical tools.

• Undergraduate research focus — students work directly with faculty on independent projects and senior theses, gaining practical experience in field and lab techniques.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration — as part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, students can combine ecological training with courses in social science, policy or computing to broaden their skill set.
• Small cohorts and mentoring — personalised advising and close faculty contact support professional development, field placements and preparation for graduate study.
• Regional field opportunities — Southern California’s diverse ecosystems provide nearby sites for field courses, monitoring projects and applied conservation work.