Essential Information
Master of Science programs in Environmental Conservation involve studies of natural environments, wildlife populations, and environmental interactions between animals, plants, and humans. Specialization options include wildlife management and conservation ecology. Over the course of these programs, students can expect to take theoretical coursework, attend environmental seminars, and participate on field excursions. Most programs also require students to complete a thesis or independent research project prior to graduation. In order to apply to one of these two-year programs, students must hold a bachelor's degree and submit undergraduate transcripts and GRE scores.
Master's Degree in Conservation
In addition to broad studies of the natural environment, many programs offer elective courses that focus on environments like wetlands, forests, or deserts. Common courses include:
- Wildlife management
- Environmental populations
- Animal-environment interaction
- Conservation biology
- Environmental analysis strategies
Employment Outlook and Career Information
With a Master's degree in conservation, students can seek careers as conservation scientists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov), there were approximately 25,800 conservation scientist positions in 2019. The BLS expects this number to increase five percent from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than average compared to all other occupations. Approximately 70% of conservation scientists in 2019 worked for governmental agencies at the local, state, or federal levels, including the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service.
The median annual salary for conservation scientists was $64,020 in May 2020, according to the BLS. The highest paying industries in 2020 were the management of companies and enterprises, and federal executive branch, according to the BLS (www.bls.gov). A master's degree in conservation also qualifies students for careers as:
- Environmental engineers
- Foresters
- Environmental scientists
Continuing Education Information
Conservation professionals interested in postsecondary teaching careers may consider a Ph.D. in environmental conservation, wildlife management, ecology, or related branches of science. With a Ph.D. in conservation, professionals can obtain teaching and research-intensive positions with universities or private research organizations.
Through advanced theoretical, practical, and research training in conservation, master's degree programs prepare students for career in the environmental field or doctoral studies in related subjects.
