This major in the Biological Sciences Department  provides a multidisciplinary approach to understanding and preserving Earth's plant and animal species and the ecosystems on which they depend. Students in this major can prepare for entry into a variety of environmental professions or graduate school.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students in the Conservation Biology (CON) degree are expected to master the Biology Student Learning Outcomes in addition to the following:

1. Achieve practical experience in conservation biology by completing a 120-hour internship in an approved professional setting.    
2. Demonstrate their understanding of primary scientific literature by accurately communicating (written and oral) information on contemporary issues in conservation biology.
3. Understand and apply in geographic information systems, policy and law, ethics and wilderness studies to a career in conservation biology.

Program Standard Grade Point Average Requirement

The major GPA is calculated by all courses identified in the college catalog as required for the major. In addition, this program has an established program standard GPA which may be used to determine progress in the program.

• Program Standard GPA
  • Minimum GPA of 2.0 in any BIO or CON course EXCEPT BIO 301, 302, 303, 306, 307 or 507
• Conservation Science Major Requirements
  • Upon completion of at least 41 credits in any BIO or CON course EXCEPT BIO 301, 302, 303, 306, 307, or 507

Career Potential

• Ecologist
• Field biologist
• Environmental educator
• Wildlife ecologist

Biological Sciences Department Course Retake Policy

A student is only permitted to retake a BIO course once per college policy. Any exceptions require permission of the instructor and the department chair and would only be granted on the last day of preregistration. The department considers enrollment in a course past the drop/add period as a retake, even if the student withdraws from the course before receiving a grade.