Department of Ecosystem Science and Management
Penn State’s home for the sustainable management of our natural resources.
The Department of Ecosystem Science and Management prepares students for careers in the conservation and management of natural and human-dominated ecosystems. We focus on preparing leaders to overcome critical obstacles to healthy fisheries, wildlife, soils, forests, water, agriculture, and agroecosystems.
Latest News
Upcoming Events
Prospective Student Visit: Environment, Natural Resources, and Sustainability Interest Area
March 21, 2025
University Park, PA
Prospective Student Visit: Plants and the Green Industry Interest Area
March 24, 2025
University Park, PA
Spring 2025 Invited Speaker Series: Rebecca Hargrave
March 27, 2025
217 Forest Resources Building
Prospective Student Visit: Animals Interest Area
March 28, 2025
University Park, PA
Teaching
Ecosystem Science and Management undergraduate and graduate academic programs integrate the science, technology, and management skills needed to understand and conserve our valuable natural resources. Learning takes place in the classroom, the laboratory, and in forests, fields, and waterways.
Research
Penn State is a Tier 1 Research University. As such, our students—from first-semester students to doctoral candidates—participate in meaningful research. Current focus areas include Forest Health, Restoring Ecosystem Function and Service, Scaling Up Ecosystem Management, and Watershed Resilience.
Extension and Outreach
Our outreach work connects the resources of the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management with community members, industry, and institutions in Pennsylvania and beyond by offering the latest research-based information and meaningful programming for adults and youth.
Facilities
The Forest Resources Building houses classrooms and laboratories and serves as our departmental home. Our facilities also include the Land Analysis Lab, Forestland Management Office, Soil Research Cluster Laboratory, Center for Private Forests, Schatz Center for Tree Molecular Genetics, and more.
