About the Department
Our vision is to forge a sustainable future where ecosystems and people thrive.
Our mission is to create a bright future for humanity by keeping forests healthy, waterways clean, soils fertile, and native wildlife and fish abundant.
Our diverse and inclusive community fosters new discoveries, pioneers cutting-edge science, prepares students for meaningful careers, inspires the next generation of leaders, and builds partnerships to devise innovative management solutions to the greatest environmental challenges of our time.
We proudly serve with our communities locally to globally to better steward Earth's ecosystems.
We accomplish our mission through Teaching, Research, and Extension.
Our teaching provides undergraduate students hands-on experience with real-world applications, excellent internship experiences, and robust scholarship opportunities. Our graduate education offers master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees rooted in research through our core science and management disciplines.
Research programs focus on generating the new knowledge needed to restore, conserve, and better manage ecosystems to be more sustainable. Research includes all areas of natural and agricultural ecosystems, wildlife and fisheries sciences, forest sciences, hydrological sciences, and soil sciences.
Extension programs led by the Department help people make informed decisions that improve their own well-being and ensure clean water, viable populations of native wildlife, recreational opportunities, attractive communities, and the sustainable production of wood and paper products.
Meet our faculty, staff, and students, and learn more about our academic home. Welcome!
Latest News
March 25, 2026
Penn State assistant professor a keynote speaker at Iceland Alien Species event
Deah Lieurance, assistant professor of invasive species biology and management in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, was one of five keynote speakers at the Alien Species in Iceland Workshop hosted by the Marine and Freshwater Institute in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland, on March 16-17, sponsored by the Natural Science Institute of Iceland and Fulbright Iceland.
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March 18, 2026
Science-minded student charts research, service path at Penn State
When Eva SinhaRoy arrived at University Park a couple years ago, she was a little overwhelmed at the possibilities. The science-minded student knew she wanted to focus on research, but she also wanted to build skills in other areas such as leadership. Since then, she's found her place in undergraduate research, leadership, and campus activities such as THON and the Presidential Leadership Academy.
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February 6, 2026
College of Agricultural Sciences celebrates faculty, staff of 25 years
The Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences recently celebrated 26 faculty and staff members who have been with the college for 25 years.
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January 28, 2026
Ask a scientist: What happens to animals during a volcanic eruption?
Penn State researchers answer questions submitted by elementary school students about volcanic eruptions.
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Upcoming Events
Prospective Student Visit: Environment, Natural Resources, and Sustainability Interest Area
April 6, 2026
University Park, PA
Prospective Student Visit: Animals Interest Area
April 10, 2026
University Park, PA
Ag Sciences Student Panel: A Day in the Life and Q&A
April 21, 2026
Prospective Student Visit: Plants and Green Industry Interest Area
April 24, 2026
University Park, PA
Department of Ecosystem Science and Management
- Office 814-865-7541
- Fax 814-865-3725