Welcome to ECS

The Environmental and Conservation Sciences (ECS) program provides a platform for graduate students to develop an expertise in at least one discipline but have exposure through course work to other relevant environmental disciplines.

Future Students

Our Mission

To provide interdisciplinary teaching and research to prepare graduate students (Masters and Doctorate) to work on environmental problems that span traditional academic boundaries. Our graduates pursue careers in research, education, and policy. Graduates find positions in academia, government, industry and non-governmental environment and conservation organizations.

Our Students Choose

One of Three Tracks

  1. Conservation Biology
  2. Environmental Science
  3. Environmental Social Science

Both Conservation Biology and Environmental Science align with biotic and abiotic domains of the environmental sciences, while Environmental Social Science was developed for students with interest in areas such as Environmental Economics.The ECS program is nested within EIGHT different departments giving our students the opportunity to choose research they enjoy.

Two researchers walking in a grassy feild

Research

Rigorous interdisciplinary research is at the core of both the master and doctoral programs. Faculty and students conduct research regionally, nationally and internationally in areas such as:

  • Climate Change
  • Evolutionary Ecology
  • Geochemistry
  • Environmental Assessment and Remediation
  • Preservation of Biodiversity
  • Restoration Ecology
  • Water, Soil, and Waste Management
Researcher wearing bee protective gear, holding a bee hive insert up to eye level.

Recognized for Excellence

NDSU Maintains R1 Research Classification

Carnegie’s Highest Research Designation

NDSU has once again been named one of the nation’s top research universities. Our prestigious R1 classification, Carnegie’s highest research designation, reflects our commitment to innovation, discovery, and real-world impact.

Research Powerhouse

When you choose NDSU, you’re joining a nationally recognized research powerhouse. With an elite R1 designation, we offer students opportunities to work alongside faculty on groundbreaking research from day one.

Read More about the Carnegie R1 classification

Research Advisors

Our faculty study a wide range of topics and actively involve graduate students in their research.

Both the master’s and doctoral programs are designed to bridge theory and practice to meet the needs of environmental science. Our program draws on the exceptional faculty and resources of eight different departments across four colleges:

  • Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources
  • Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Engineering and Architecture
  • Science and Mathematics
Explore Our Wide Range of Topics
Professor teaching and pointing to a map being held by two students.

Mission & Values

The mission of the Environmental and Conservation Sciences Graduate Program (ECS) is to provide interdisciplinary scholarship in terms of teaching and research to prepare graduate students (Masters and Doctorate) to work on environmental problems that span traditional academic boundaries.

ECS strives to promote an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment.

Student research squatting in a grassy field doing research and smiling at the camera.

Support Education & Research

Your generosity fuels life-changing research, student success, and innovative learning across the College of Arts and Sciences. Every gift, big or small, makes a lasting impact on our students, faculty, and the future of discovery. Thank you for being part of our story.

Give to the Environmental and Conservation Sciences