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Ecosystem professional

Master of Professional Studies inEcosystem Management and Administration

Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

Go beyond the science of environmental resources to learn about the real-world, practical implementation of ecosystem management projects. This online degree program explores the quantitative tools and social and leadership skills that are necessary to manage the world’s natural resources.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Apply by July 15 to start August 25

30 Credits$1,027 per credit

Gain Skills to Maintain the World’s Natural Resources

  • Apply quantitative tools such as statistics and financial analysis to the monitoring of ecosystems. 

  • Understand the economic, financial, legal, and policy context to manage and address natural resource problems and issues. 

  • Use key finance, planning, and economic principles to manage a variety of natural resources and ecosystems. 

  • Plan the project development process, including securing resources and resource management. 

This 30-credit online program has been designed to help you enhance your quantitative and spatial data analysis skills, project management skills, communication and leadership skills, and understanding of finance, economics, policy, and law.

Course topics include: 

  • spatial data and the use of geographic information management systems 

  • how ecosystems are inventoried and monitored and how to analyze common natural resource data sets to support decision-making 

  • project planning and management, including decision support systems commonly used in natural resource planning and management 

  • communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and leadership skills 

  • natural resource economics principles and cost-benefit analysis of common natural resource management problems 

  • the legal and policy framework within which ecosystem management decisions are made 

Required Courses (30 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Provides students with an overview of ecosystem monitoring methods and analyses. Students completing the course will have the ability to apply a quantitative approach to the monitoring of ecosystems.

    • Prerequisite

      STAT 500

  • 3
    credits

    This course provides a survey of the basic legal principles, regimes, and issues related to environmental protection and natural resource management. It gives students an overview of the fundamentals of environmental law and policy, including how the U.S. legal system works, as well as relevant principles of constitutional and common law.

  • 3
    credits

    Making decisions as an ecosystem manager requires knowledge of economics, planning, and finance. The course provides students with a solid understanding of the key finance, planning, and economic principles needed to manage a variety of natural resources and ecosystems.

  • 3–6
    credits

    Supervised, professionally oriented student activities that constitute the culminating experience for the program.

  • 3
    credits

    Case studies, student investigations, and projects reveal the scope, impact, and character of the Geospatial Revolution.

    • 3
      credits

      Development of behavioral skills associated with outstanding leadership of individuals, teams, and organizations through advanced information technology, experimental exercises, and case analysis.

    • 3
      credits

      The course examines the continuing influence of social and environmental factors in shaping leadership and leadership development.

    • 3
      credits

      This course explores the science and practice of leadership around the globe through pertinent scholarly literature and related instructional resources.

    • 3
      credits

      Overviews scholarship relating to women in positions of leadership in groups and organizations, as well as obstacles to their success.

  • 3
    credits

    A problem-based, interdisciplinary course in project management skills and techniques needed to manage projects in a modern business environment.

  • 3
    credits

    A problem-based course that addresses techniques for planning the project development process, including securing resources and resource management.

    • Prerequisite

      MANGT 510

    • Note

      Students who do not take MANGT 520 must take EMGT 894 for six (6) credits.

    • 3
      credits

      Theory- and research-based communication skills for leaders dealing with work-related problems in contemporary groups and organizations.

    • 3
      credits

      Application of theories of decision-making to work-related issues in groups and organizations requiring collective resolution and action.

    • 3
      credits

      Theories and strategies important for conceptualizing, developing, and managing conflict negotiation, mediation, and third-party intervention.

  • 3
    credits

    Descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, power, estimation, confidence intervals, regression, one- and two-way ANOVA, chi-square tests, diagnostics.

    • Prerequisite

      one undergraduate course in statistics

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

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You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.

Job Titles Related to This Degree

The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

  • Environmental Consultant
  • Environmental Policy Analyst
  • Environmental Programs Specialist
  • Natural Resource Manager
  • Resource Conservationist

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

6.1%
employment growth (10 years)
77,270
total employment

Conservation Scientists

4.1%
employment growth (10 years)
22,880
total employment

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Additional Fields and Opportunities

Earning this advanced degree in ecosystem management from Penn State can prepare you to become an effective leader, decision-maker, and manager at:  

  • for-profit natural resources companies 

  • local, state, and federal agencies 

  • consulting firms 

  • select non-governmental organizations 

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Learn more about this program

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by July 15 to start August 25. How to Apply 

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,027 per credit
12 or more$12,325 per semester

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,037 per credit
12 or more$12,448 per semester

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Federal financial aid may only be used to pay for credits used to satisfy program requirements.

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program.

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Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser. 

To Finish Your Certificate in One to Two Years

  • Take 3–4 courses each semester

To Finish Your Certificate in Two or Three Years

  • Take 2 courses each semester 

To Finish Your Certificate in Three or Four Years

  • Take 1 course each semester

Timelines may vary based on course availability.

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

Information for Military and Veterans

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Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.

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Apply by July 15 to start August 25

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by July 15 to start August 25

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by November 15 to start January 12

  • Summer Deadline

    Apply by April 15, 2026, to start May 18, 2026

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

    Specifically, as an applicant to Penn State's online MPS in Ecosystem Management and Administration program, you must have a bachelor’s degree in an ecosystem management–related field, such as forestry, wildlife or fisheries management, soils or water management, natural resource management, environmental science, or ecology.

    GPA — Postsecondary (undergraduate), junior/senior (last two years) grade-point average is required. Applicants should have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 and a 3.00 junior/senior average (on a 4.00 scale).

  2. Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

    Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.

    Test Scores — GRE scores are required for admission to the Master of Professional Studies in Ecosystem Management program.

    English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

    References (3) — you will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.  

    Program-Specific Questions/Materials

    Personal Statement — Upload a brief statement describing your academic goals, career interests, and special qualifications.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

    • Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

    Checking Your Status 
    You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form. 

  5. 5. Complete the application.

    Penn State Fox Graduate School Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

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Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

For general questions about Penn State World Campus or how to apply contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]

For questions regarding the program curriculum or your application status, contact:

Marc E. McDill, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Forest Management
310 Forest Resources Building
University Park, PA 16802-4301
Phone: 814-865-1602
Email: [email protected]

Learn from the Best

Learn from expert faculty who are leaders in the field. Our courses are taught by distinguished faculty who have special training and experience teaching in an online environment. You can expect the same caliber of academic quality that you associate with Penn State. 

the Sustainability Experience Center at Penn State’s University Park campus

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by July 15 to start August 25. How to Apply