Conservation Biology

Overview

Programs in conservation biology teach people to use science to promote biodiversity and to protect species and habitats.

Conservation biology programs include topics such as:

Ecology
Environmental science
Genetic diversity
Extinction theory
Ecosystem science and management
Field biology
Aquatic conservation
Forest and wildlife biology
Wetland conservation
Natural history

Schools

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in conservation biology. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Several colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in conservation biology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Several universities offer graduate degrees in conservation biology. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science and Programming
Earth Science
Environmental Science
Natural Resources Management
Pre-Calculus

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree in conservation biology or a related science, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Biology
Statement of research interest and personal goals
Letters of recommendation

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Animal Biology
Animal Physiology
Biodiversity and Conservation
Cellular and Molecular Biology
Conservation Biology
Ecology and the Environment
Evolutionary Biology
General Chemistry
Genetics and Evolution
Organic Chemistry
Physics
Plant Biology
Plant Physiology
Plant Taxonomy
Principles of Biology
Vertebrate Natural History

No matter where you go to school, you're likely to take a set of "core" courses similar to the list above. Once you've completed those courses, you can take advanced courses in ecology.

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate programs may include:

Advanced Topics in Conservation Biology
Applications of Geographic Information Systems
Environmental and Resource Economics
Environmental Law
Population and Community Ecology
Principles and Methods of Systematic Biology

Graduate students usually focus on one area of interest. Typical courses vary by specialty. All require original research. A list of common graduate requirements is below:

Required courses
Thesis (master's degree)
Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

Take every opportunity to get hands-on experience doing fieldwork. Get a summer or part-time job with a park or nature center, or attend a summer field camp. Some programs may require an internship.

Many jobs in this field require you to write technical reports and give presentations. Taking writing and speaking courses will develop your communication skills.

With training in this field, you can work in wildlife management programs, nature preserves, government agencies, and environmental consulting firms.