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Students Stephen Polaski and Victoria Lutz measure and photograph trees in Aman Park as part of a research project about the ecology of tree geometry.

Ecological Restoration

Undergraduate Certificate

Allendale • Face to face (?) • 15-19 Credits

Ecological restoration is the study of conservation and stewardship of terrestrial, wetland, and aquatic ecosystems to the benefit of the plants, animals, and humans that rely on them.

Overview

Grand Valley's Ecological Restoration Undergraduate Certificate focuses on the conservation and stewardship of terrestrial, wetland, and aquatic ecosystems. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assist in the recovery and management of ecosystems that have been degraded, damaged, or destroyed. The certificate is designed to benefit plants, animals, and humans who rely on these ecosystems, providing a comprehensive understanding of ecological restoration principles and practices.

Students in this program will study a variety of topics, including wildlife habitat management, soil and water conservation, wildland fire management, conservation biology, watershed and wetland management, outdoor recreation, forestry, environmental pollution and remediation, and fisheries and aquatic sciences. The curriculum is aligned with the Society for Ecological Restoration's Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner-in-Training (CERPIT) certification, ensuring that students receive education that meets industry standards and prepares them for professional certification.

The program provides hands-on learning experiences through internships and fieldwork, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Additionally, the growing demand for professionals in ecological restoration, coupled with the program's strong industry connections, makes Grand Valley an excellent choice for those looking to pursue a career in this field. The program's alignment with CERPIT certification further enhances graduates' employability and readiness to contribute to ecological restoration efforts at various levels.

Admission Information

For new students, visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements. Upon acceptance and for current students:

  • Declare your certificate via myBanner (Login to Banner Self-Service, click on Student, Student Records, Add a Certificate or Badge to your Program, Select the appropriate certificate from the drop-down list, and click Submit)
  • Departmental approval is required. If denied, an email will be sent to your GVSU student email.  
  • Speak with the appropriate certificate coordinator to ensure criteria are being met (you will be able to track your progress toward the certificate in myPath as well!)
  • Once you are done with the requirements, apply to receive the certificate via myBanner.
  • Once the completion of your certificate has been verified, the certificate will be posted to your student record and will be viewable on your transcript. 

Biology Department

gvsu.edu/biology
2200n Kindschi Hall of Science
(616) 331-3097

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

 

Career Opportunities

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Top skills
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  • Writing
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  • Active Listening
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Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
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$ 76,775.57 50%
$ 97,600.73 75%
$131,100.75 90%

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

Top skills
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Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 67,486.94 10%
$104,890.51 25%
$170,461.86 50%
$292,639.42 75%
$445,378.47 90%

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

Top skills
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Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
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$ 60,906.49 25%
$ 76,657.20 50%
$ 96,563.00 75%
$108,798.69 90%

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

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Earnings statistics
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$ 46,857.74 10%
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$103,053.50 90%

Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
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Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 45,309.69 10%
$ 59,862.18 25%
$ 80,405.62 50%
$109,722.30 75%
$150,425.96 90%

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

Top skills
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  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 57,227.39 10%
$102,703.98 25%
$173,057.77 50%
$282,234.39 75%
$471,133.82 90%

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 49,976.96 10%
$ 61,976.78 25%
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$135,767.09 90%

Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.

Top skills
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  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 55,567.35 10%
$ 66,197.03 25%
$ 83,722.99 50%
$104,564.03 75%
$128,720.94 90%
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Page last modified May 20, 2025