As a student of Conservation and Ecological Health, you will learn about life and its processes in ecological contexts. Such knowledge will prepare you to support the flourishing of life in all of its diversity. You will be able to participate in a variety of vocations or continue your studies in postgraduate education in fields focused on creation care.
Within six months of graduation, nearly 99% of Wheaton’s Class of 2021 found work in their field or continued their education.
The majority of Wheaton biology students attend graduate, medical, dental, veterinary, or nursing school within 10 years of graduation.
Small class sizes mean individualized attention and greater access to faculty.
You can reach us anytime via admissions@wheaton.edu.
/filters:quality(85)/prod02/channel_1/media/conservation-and-ecological-health/Wheaton-Students-doing-Stream-Ecology-Work-600X800.jpg)
Conservation and Ecological Health is part of the Biological and Health Sciences Department, which also includes Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (offered jointly with the Chemistry Department), Biology, Health Science, and Neuroscience. Together, these five majors share a core curriculum designed to introduce you to foundational biological and chemical concepts, scientific research methods, and the intersection of Christian faith with science. You will learn to read scientific literature critically, communicate scientific information effectively, and conduct scientific experiments correctly. This firm foundation, coupled with upper-divisional courses in Biological and Health Sciences, prepares you for graduate school in environmental or ecological studies, Master of Public Health programs, jobs in conservation and sustainability fields, or any number of careers in the field of biological and health sciences.
Our interdisciplinary approach also allows us to creatively leverage existing relationships with the Department of Earth & Environmental Science to provide an integrated, robust learning experience.
/prod02/channel_1/media/conservation-and-ecological-health/Kristen-Page-2022.jpg)
Learn from accomplished, caring faculty members with scientific expertise in parasitology and disease transmission, botany, marine biology, microbiology, cardiovascular physiology, nutrition, epidemiology, diabetes, genetics, neurobiology, and theories of origins.
/prod02/channel_1/media/about/meyer-science-center-photos/Wheaton-College-Meyer-Science-Center-Exterior-with-Students.jpg)
The Meyer Science Center, certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold standard, is home to state-of-the-art learning spaces including a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) lab.
/prod02/channel_1/media/media-relations/news-images/BlackHillsScenicVistaClassExpedition-1-600X900.jpg)
Majoring in Conservation and Ecological Health at Wheaton exposes you to many immersive learning experiences, from internships and collaborative research projects with faculty mentors to mission-driven service work around Chicagoland and abroad.
Interdisciplinary learning is a way of life at Wheaton. In addition to your work within your chosen major, you can enrich your educational experience and connect with peers and professors across campus and beyond in many ways.
/filters:quality(85)/prod02/channel_1/media/media-relations/news-images/BlackHillsScenicVistaClassExpedition-800X500.jpg)
The Wheaton College Science Station in the Black Hills of South Dakota provides hands-on field learning experiences and includes trips to explore geological features of Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains and National Parks like Yellowstone and Grand Tetons.
Students live and learn in community while seeing their classroom learning come alive in the field. Geology students earn 8 credit hours of required coursework during one summer prior to graduation with available financial aid support.
/filters:quality(85)/prod02/channel_1/media/conservation-and-ecological-health/Planting-Seeds-in-Cups-1000X800.jpg)
A Wheaton education is built on the foundation of our unique Christ at the Core general education curriculum. A major in Conservation and Ecological Health, coupled with additional liberal arts courses in the Christ at the Core program, will equip you to lead and serve the global church and society in this critical and current field of study.
More About Christ at the CoreWheaton BHS students are well-prepared for further professional training to ultimately pursue careers as practitioners, researchers, and educators. Many graduates head right into the workforce, landing roles in a variety of industries.
You can get a job. Examples include:
You can pursue an advanced degree that will lead to careers such as
If you’re a current student or want to dig deeper in this area of study, here are some additional resources for you to explore.
Visit the Department of Biological and Health Sciences website for more information about our majors, minors, faculty, facilities, and more.
View the Wheaton College catalog for specific degree requirements and course descriptions.
Interested in studying conservation and ecological health at Wheaton? Request more information or start your application today.