Individuals who are interested in the effects of climate change and environmental conservation may be interested in studying ecology at a college or university. Ecology programs concentrate their instruction on biodiversity, environmental law, forestry, and pollution in order to help students think about environmental issues on a global scale.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.