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Introduction
Professional Science Master’s Degree The Professional Science Master’s degree in Conservation Biology combines conservation science curriculum with a professional component designed to provide graduates with the necessary skills for a career in business, industry, government, or nonprofit agencies. The program offers opportunities in molecular ecology, water quality/limnological sciences and fishery sciences. Molecular ecologists strive to preserve species diversity in fragmented habitats, reintroduce populations to native territory as part of planned management strategies, and protect native populations threatened by invasive species. Biodiversity is the Earth’s greatest nonrenewable resource. Due to increasing population size, global climate change and the substantial rise in global trade practices, conserving biodiversity at the population level, species level, or ecosystem level is one of the chief concerns of scientists. There is significant industry and agency need due to accelerated degradation of water resources, increasing population size, concerns regarding global climate change, the associated ecological impacts onbodies of water, and increasing demands on industry to comply with environmental laws and regulations. Blending research and theory with practice produces innovative solutions to real world problems, benefiting students and the growth of the economy.
Admission
Admission requirements for the program include:
- a bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science or a science-related field from an accredited institution;
- a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Those with a non-science-related degree may be admitted as “Probationary Status” upon completing one of the three following conditions: completion of select coursework with a grade of “B” or better or evidence of equivalent courses/professional knowledge.
Requirements
Requirements for the degree include a minimum of 30 semester hours comprised of graduate-level courses and a field experience or internship. Students build on the graduate level biology core by selecting additional courses that are tailored according to their individual career goals.
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