Master of Science in Biodiversity Conservation and Management

Learn how to conserve our natural world for future generations.

In the online Master of Science in Biodiversity Conservation and Management, offered through UW-Green Bay, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to manage complex conservation challenges facing the world today, such as climate change, managing threatened and endangered species, restoration and remediation of environmental damages, and balancing multiple recreational uses, while integrating the human perspective through community engagement and culturally responsible conservation practices.

In the program, you’ll explore topics in biodiversity science, data management, and conservation leadership, such as:

• conservation research project design,
• how to communicate project results and engage with diverse audiences,
• conservation ethics and culturally responsible conservation practices,
• data analytics and visualization,
• project management, including writing grants, building partnerships, and budgeting, and
• leadership, community engagement, and team-building skills.

Courses in the Biodiversity Conservation and Management program focus on the human aspect of conservation issues, and develop skills and knowledge in conservation ecology, data analytics and visualization, spatial mapping, emerging conservation technologies, conservation research and monitoring, policy implementation, conservation leadership and community engagement.

The program offers flexibility to earn the master’s degree or one or more certificates. Three of the certificates are stackable—by completing all three certificates plus the capstone project you’ll earn the master’s degree. A foundational certificate is also offered for those seeking an introduction to the field.

Each certificate can be earned on its own, as a credential, or you may complete all three certificates plus the capstone project to earn the master’s degree.

• Biodiversity and Conservation Science (stackable certificate, 3 courses, 9 credits)
• Conservation Data Management and Analysis (stackable certificate, 3 courses, 9 credits)
• Conservation Leadership, Policy, and Management (stackable certificate, 3 courses, 9 credits)
• Foundations in Biodiversity Conservation and Management (foundational certificate, 3 courses, 9 credits)

To earn the Master of Science in Biodiversity Conservation and Management (MS), students must complete all eleven courses (31 credits) in the stackable certificates.

• Nine courses (3 credits per course)
• Capstone prep course (1 credit)
• Capstone project course (3 credits)

In the capstone course, students gain valuable, practical experience through a fieldwork project. Students may be able to complete the project with their current employer, or arrange for project work with an external organization.

“Biodiversity makes our natural world better in the same ways that diversity in our local communities leads to better experiences, ideas, and outcomes. Conservation as a discipline includes many different fields that ultimately work toward a similar goal: to enhance the lands, waters, and environment that we all depend on. Whether you are engaged in agriculture, sustainability, wildlife or fisheries management, or environmental education and outreach, we all work on the same team,” says Amy Carrozzino-Lyon, scientist and program director for the Biodiversity and Conservation Management program at UW-Green Bay.

“Working in the conservation field offers the unique and challenging opportunity to influence tangible outcomes that have benefits for both the natural environment and our communities. Many conservationists get to develop management plans and projects and engage communities in the same places where they live, work, and play, which can be personally rewarding to see your efforts and partnerships in action.”

Some examples of biodiversity-related occupations include:

• urban planner,
• forest and conservation worker,
• wildlife conservation worker,
• environmental engineer ,
• environmental planner,
• forester,
• soil scientist,
• environmental scientist,
• environmental compliance specialist.

Admission and application requirements vary for the Master of Science in Biodiversity Conservation and Management and the certificate programs. Please review the following information carefully.

To be eligible for the Master of Science in Biodiversity Conservation and Management, students must meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree, in any discipline, from an accredited university (min. 3.0 GPA).

Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission and should contact an enrollment adviser for more information.

Aptitude tests, such as the GRE, are not required for admission.

You will also need to submit the following application materials:

• official college transcripts,
• your resume,
• two letters of recommendation (professional or academic) using the letter of evaluation form, and
• a personal statement of up to 1,000 words describing the reasons behind your decision to pursue this degree.

To be eligible for any of the certificate programs, students must meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree, in any discipline, from an accredited university (no min. GPA required).

Aptitude tests, such as the GRE, are not required for admission.

You will also need to submit the following application materials:

• official college transcripts*.

*If you completed your bachelor’s degree at UW-Green Bay you do not have to submit official transcripts.