Description

ACCEPTING STUDENTS – SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE

Master of Professional Studies in Ecological Restoration w/ Waterfowl and Wetlands Focus

A SCHOLARSHIP COVERING THE COST OF IN-STATE TUITION FOR ONE SEMESTER WILL BE OFFERED TO THE HIGHEST-RANKED APPLICANT

***30 credits over 2 semesters + Professional or Research Experience***

Waterfowl are an iconic and easily recognizable group of birds that are ecologically, environmentally, economically and culturally important. Further, the wetlands and associated upland habitats they rely on are among the most endangered ecosystems on the planet. As such, the USFWS National Wildlife Refuge system, many state wildlife management areas, and non-profit groups focus on conserving and restoring habitat to sustain waterfowl populations. The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Ecological Restoration w/ Waterfowl and Wetlands Focus aims to prepare practitioners to work for federal, state, non-profit, academic, and industrial entities throughout North America. 

Focus area courses are flexible depending on an individual’s prior undergraduate training and employment experiences. A professional or research experience is selected between the advisor and student. Additional experiences include hands-on opportunities in class and the intensive 2-week Wetlands Monitoring and Assessment summer course. The focus area can include duck (fall) and goose banding (summer) opportunities as well as USFWS Parts Collection Survey experience (spring); internship opportunities exist across the country with leading waterfowl and wetland conservation organizations.

Example program for MPS in Ecological Restoration w/ Waterfowl and Wetlands Focus

Fall Start

FOR 607 Restoration Ecology
EST 550 Environmental Impact Analysis
EFB 638 Ecology and Management of Waterfowl
FOR 545 Introduction to Soils
Plus Electives

Spring semester
EFB 542 Freshwater Wetland Ecosystems
EFB 649 Wetlands Conservation and Management for Wildlife
Plus Electives
 
Summer

EFB 898/899 Professional Experience – Summer Internship
EFB 696 Wetlands Monitoring and Assessment (Summer Field – July/Aug)

Fall Semester #2
Complete Capstone

Suggested Electives in Ecological Restoration w/ Waterfowl and Wetlands Focus

       EFB 634 Ecosystem Restoration Design (4) Fall

       EFB 681 Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration and Enhancement (2) Fall, odd year

       EFB 652 Forest Health and Restoration (3) Fall

       FOR 642 Watershed Ecology & Management (3) Fall

       FOR 659 Advanced GIS (3) Spring

       FOR 540 Watershed Hydrology (3) Spring

       FOR 665 Natural Resources Policy (3) Spring

       FOR 689 Natural Resources Law & Policy (3) Spring

       EHS 560 Environmental Sampling Methods (4) Sprin

 Examples of field experiences

1/ Students in the Wetlands Monitoring and Assessment summer field course learn how to sample and identify wetland plants and invertebrates

2/ Students visit with USDA-NRCS Soil Conservationists to learn about the Wetland Reserve Easement program and how to conduct wetlands easement monitoring

3/ Summer goose banding with NY State Department of Environmental Conservation staff to monitor harvest and populations

4/ Duck banding training at nearby wetlands and lakes provides students with the tools necessary to succeed

5/ Wetland delineation training with Ducks Unlimited staff

CONTACT: Dr. Michael L. Schummer 

CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2026 AND SPRING 2027

SEND LETTER OF INTEREST, RESUME, AND UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

WE ARE ACCEPTING UP TO 3 STUDENTS INTO THE PROGRAM FOR FALL 2026 AND SPRING 2027

A SCHOLARSHIP COVERING THE COST OF IN-STATE TUITION FOR ONE SEMESTER WILL BE OFFERED TO THE HIGHEST-RANKED APPLICANT

Requirements

Bachelor's in Environmentally relevant area