Restoring Ecosystems: Build Your Career with a BSc or MSc in Ecological Restoration

The British Columbia Institute of Technology offers a two-year full-time BSc and MSc program in Ecological Restoration in Burnaby, BC, starting in September. The program focuses on diagnosing ecological problems and designing restoration plans, addressing challenges like habitat loss and climate change. Known for its field-oriented learning, it prepares students for careers in ecological restoration through applied research and partnerships, making it a unique educational opportunity in Canada.
LOCATION: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

START DATE: First week of September

DURATION: Two-year program

LEARNING AREA: BSc & MSc in Ecological Restoration

ATTENDANCE:
• Full-time international & domestic students
• Part-time option (domestic students)

BCIT Ecological Restoration — Bachelor of Science (BSc) & Master of Science (MSc)

In a world shaped by climate-driven disturbance, invasive species, urban growth, and legacy contamination, ecological restoration has become essential infrastructure for communities and nature. BCIT’s Ecological Restoration programs prepare you to diagnose ecological problems, design defensible restoration plans, and deliver results in the field—locally in British Columbia and globally.

Why ecological restoration—right now?

Ecosystems provide services we all rely on—clean water, flood mitigation, biodiversity, and resilient landscapes—but many have been degraded by anthropogenic pressures. Ecological Restoration is a rapidly emerging scientific discipline focused on repairing ecosystems damaged by habitat loss, urbanization, invasive species, industrial contamination, and climate-related disturbances. Thus, ecological restoration is an intentional activity that initiates or accelerates ecosystem recovery in terms of health, integrity, and sustainability. The United Nations has designated 2020–2030 as the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, underscoring global momentum and demand for restoration capacity. However, there are limited opportunities to train as an ecological-restoration biologist. BCIT’s BSc and MSc programs are the first of their kind in Canada.

What makes BCIT’s model different

These programs are widely renowned locally and internationally for their “field-oriented” learning and applied research. By working with our diverse partners on a wide range of applied restoration projects, students gain extensive experience addressing environmental challenges facing local, regional, provincial, and international communities. With ecosystems ranging from deserts to rainforests, marine to alpine environments, British Columbia provides an unparalleled living laboratory. Graduates leave BCIT prepared not only to restore damaged ecosystems but also to lead the future of ecological restoration practice in Canada and beyond. BCIT is an industry-connected institution with client-based projects and applied research that fosters professional networks and a portfolio of real-world work. Both the BSc and MSc programs have been designed from the outset to specialize in ecological restoration. Here is just a short list of courses we offer:

BSc in Ecological Restoration
• Planning for ER
• Terrain and Stream Channel Assessment for ER
• Wetland and Estuary Restoration
• Stream Assessment and Restoration
• Field Skills for ER 1 & 2
• Restoring Wildlife Populations
• Terrestrial ER
• Indigenous Perspectives in Natural Resource Management

MSc in Ecological Restoration
• Planning and Monitoring for ER
• Restoration of Lentic Ecosystems
• Restoration of Wetland and Estuarine Ecosystems
• Restoration of Lotic Ecosystems
• Statistical Applications for ER
• Graduate Seminar in Research Methods
• Indigenous and Social Perspectives on ER 1 & 2
• Project Management and Community Engagement
• Restoration of Terrestrial Ecosystems
• Restoring Wildlife: Ecological Concepts & Practical Application
• Advanced Applications for Restoration of Terrestrial Ecosystems

Programs at a glance

Program

Best for

Delivery highlights

BSc in Ecological Restoration (8040BSC)

Learn more here

Diploma graduates (or similar background) who want a specialized degree focused on restoration practice, often while building a strong field portfolio.

In-person learning with field labs, multi-day field trips, team projects, guest specialists, and an applied research project. Full-time and part-time options.

MSc in Ecological Restoration (M410MSC)

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Professionals and degree holders seeking advanced, interdisciplinary training in restoration science, leadership, and applied research.

Blended delivery. Two options:

· course‑based (core + electives + applied project)

· thesis‑based (core + research thesis).

· Full-time and part-time options.

Professional Development

Many of our restoration-specific courses can be taken outside of the program to advance training in specific topics

Graduate Outcomes and Professional Skills

Across both degree levels, graduates develop the ability to:
• Assess degraded ecosystems and identify underlying causes of ecological decline
• Design, implement, and adapt scientifically defensible restoration plans
• Apply emerging technologies in restoration planning, monitoring, and evaluation
• Lead projects using sound regulatory, legal, and project‑management practices
• Engage respectfully with communities and integrate Indigenous knowledge systems
• Communicate effectively and demonstrate professional ethics and leadership

Employment potential

Alumni surveys from both programs have shown exceptionally strong employment rates. Our recent BSc alumni survey reported a 96% employment rate, with 48% of graduates working directly in ecological restoration and 44% in related fields. Similarly, our 2022 alumni survey of MSc alumni found that 93% were employed in a field related to ecological restoration. Most of the career pathways span environmental consulting, independent restoration contractors, Indigenous communities, utilities, oil/gas/mine reclamation projects, all levels of government, and conservation organizations.

Ready to make a difference?

Whether you’re building your restoration foundation in the BSc or advancing into leadership and applied research in the MSc, BCIT’s field-oriented approach prepares you to work on the front lines of ecosystem recovery.
• BSc details: https://www.bcit.ca/programs/ecological-restoration-bachelor-of-science-full-time-part-time-8040bsc/
• MSc details: https://www.bcit.ca/programs/ecological-restoration-master-of-science-full-time-part-time-m410msc/#courses