Masters in Applied Ecology and Evolution... A Good Idea?

[sje]

I recently came across a master's program in applied ecology and evolution, and I believe that I am a good candidate for the program; however, I'm not so sure if it's a good idea... Is ecology and evolution a good field to go into with just an MA? The website for the program claims that graduates can go into fields like government environmental science and biotechnology, but I feel that those are rather vague career descriptions.

I should state that the reason I'm interested in E&E is to study population genetics and evolutionary theory. That said, even if the job market is good for people with MAs in E&E (I'm thinking conservationists, environmentalists, etc.), are any of the prospective employers ones that would like a quantitative/theoretical biologist?

I guess I'm just trying to get a feel for the field in general. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[eco_env]

Look at evolution job boards and see what kind of jobs are avaiable for people with MS. In ecology, there are plenty of opportunities for people with a MS and some experience. BTW, "environmentalist" is not a job: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmentalist. Maybe the word you are looking for is environmental scientist/consultant.

[sje]

Look at evolution job boards and see what kind of jobs are avaiable for people with MS. In ecology, there are plenty of opportunities for people with a MS and some experience. BTW, "environmentalist" is not a job: http://en.wikipedia....vironmentalist. Maybe the word you are looking for is environmental scientist/consultant.

Thanks for replying! I was, in fact, thinking of 'environmental scientist' and not 'environmentalist'. Would you please elaborate on some of the opportunities available for people with master's degrees in ecology?

[eco_env]

Thanks for replying! I was, in fact, thinking of 'environmental scientist' and not 'environmentalist'. Would you please elaborate on some of the opportunities available for people with master's degrees in ecology?

browse this list: https://listserv.umd.edu/archives/ecolog-l.html