Ecology, M.S.

At Florida Tech, ecology students join a collaborative, research-focused academic community led by internationally recognized faculty. With small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, you’ll work one-on-one with your advisor to design a personalized plan of study and carry out original research.

Our campus brings together students from across the U.S. and around the world, creating a vibrant exchange of perspectives on global ecological challenges. This international context supports thoughtful, interdisciplinary approaches to complex environmental questions—and helps prepare you for meaningful careers in science, research or policy.

Our location on Florida’s Space Coast provides direct access to one of North America’s most ecologically diverse regions. Just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, students explore marine, coastal and wetland ecosystems through immersive, hands-on fieldwork.

Nearby environments—including forests, inland lakes and Florida’s globally significant wetlands—offer a living laboratory for year-round study. You’ll also be within reach of the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park, opening possibilities for extended ecological research.

Our proximity to beaches, protected areas and major environmental agencies creates valuable opportunities for internships, data collection and collaboration. With the university situated in one of the nation’s largest high-tech corridors, students benefit from access to tools and partnerships that support advanced ecological modeling, environmental monitoring and interdisciplinary research.

The ecology program is backed by specialized facilities that enable in-depth research and immersive, hands-on training.

Just minutes from campus, where Crane Creek meets the Indian River Lagoon, the Mertens Marine Center provides a base for fieldwork, with on-site labs that allow sample processing within minutes of collection. The nearby Ralph S. Evinrude Marine Operations Center offers direct water access and supports a range of studies, from shallow-water research using small boats to offshore projects via chartered vessels.

On campus, students have access to advanced laboratories in the F.W. Olin Physical Sciences and Life Sciences buildings, including the High-Resolution Microscopy and Advanced Imaging Center. The L3Harris Center for Science and Engineering houses aquaculture and marine biology labs for small-scale experiments in controlled environments.

These resources support individualized thesis research and collaborative projects, while fostering connections with government agencies, nonprofits and environmental partners.

Summer field courses offer immersive research experiences in locations such as the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon, Puerto Rico and the Salish Sea in the Pacific Northwest. You’ll develop field skills in diverse ecosystems while gaining experience with techniques like snorkeling surveys, wildlife tracking and ecological data collection—building practical expertise in environments that highlight the global scope of ecological research.

A central component of the M.S. in ecology is the completion of a thesis based on original research of publishable quality. Students work closely with a faculty advisor and advisory committee to develop and carry out a focused research project aligned with their academic and professional goals.

Thesis work includes preparation of a written thesis, a formal graduate seminar presentation and a final oral defense. The student’s research and plan of study are customized to reflect the emphasis of their chosen specialization.

This intensive research experience provides a strong foundation for doctoral study and prepares graduates for professional roles in research, environmental consulting, conservation, resource management and related fields.

Applicants to the M.S. in ecology program are encouraged to review faculty areas of expertise and reach out to the department early in the application process to identify a prospective advisor and discuss research interests. Establishing this connection helps ensure a strong alignment between student goals and faculty mentorship.

For detailed information about admission requirements and application procedures, please see the university's graduate admission requirements.