Students from the lab of James Kennedy, Regents Professor of biological sciences
UNT has become the first university in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology for Environmental Science. Classes will begin in Fall 2013.
The Department of Biological Sciences in UNT's College of Arts and Sciences has a long history of education and research programs focusing on ecology, conservation and environmental science, and is in a unique position to offer the new degree, says James Kennedy, Regents Professor of biological sciences.
"Students who go through the program will get a very academic perspective on ecology, and will also get experience with applied aspects to the program including ecotoxicology," Kennedy says. "The job market for ecologists is expected to grow enormously over the next several years."
Being one of the fastest growing states in the United States, Texas has a strong need for ecologists who can find answers to problems created by growth and new demand on natural resources. Texas ranks among the most biologically diverse states in America, but also has the most species at risk of extinction because of external threats or global rarity, says Kennedy.
Students who go through UNT's program will be able to find employment as biological technicians working on environmental problems with consulting firms, conservation groups or government agencies, as lab or field technicians or outdoor educators, or can continue their education through graduate school.
Students also will be able to tailor their degrees to their future goals, and will have the opportunity to take classes including community ecology, evolution and environmental philosophy.
Students can enroll for the degree program by contacting the Department of Biological Sciences by email or at 940-565-2011.
Leslie Wimmer with UNT News Service can be reached at Leslie.Wimmer@unt.edu.
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