Wildlife Crimes Investigator
Investigate poaching, trafficking, and environmental crimes against wildlife.
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Learn More About the Environmental Crime Investigation Program
Environmental crime investigation is a field of study that focuses on detecting, analyzing, and preventing crimes that harm ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources. It combines science, law, and technology to address issues such as poaching, illegal logging, pollution, and wildlife trafficking. Students in this field gain skills in ecology, criminology, digital forensics, and GIS mapping to build evidence, support enforcement, and protect biodiversity.
This degree prepares you to detect, analyze, and prosecute crimes against wildlife and ecosystems. You’ll build practical skills in ecology, law, GIS mapping, and digital forensics through case-based projects and simulations, learning to turn evidence into courtroom-ready reporting. Graduates go on to careers in law enforcement, conservation investigation, and wildlife forensics, ready to protect natural resources and make an immediate impact in the field.
Unity’s 90-credit Applied Bachelor’s program is designed to save you both time and money. With fewer credits required than a traditional 120-credit bachelor’s, you can save up to 25% on your degree cost. You may save even more if you transfer eligible credits from previous college coursework. Visit our Tuition & Financial Aid page to learn more about how you can pay for college.
Our 90-credit Applied Bachelor’s in Environmental Crime Investigation is designed for flexibility, with year-round terms (8 per year). By taking 4 credits per term, you can complete your degree in just under 3 years.
Transfer credits can shorten your timeline even further, allowing you to finish even faster and start your career sooner.
Professional Core: 39 credits
Program Core: 48 credits
Elective Courses: 3 credits
- BIOL 105 Biological Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution
- BIOL 203 Ecological Principles: Applications to Conservation and Wildlife
- ENCJ 2010 Administrative Structure and Criminal Justice
- ENCJ 2020 Investigative Communication for Law Enforcement
- ENCJ 205 Digital Evidence and Substance Recognition
- ENCJ 3030 Cybercrime and Digital Forensics
- ENCJ 305 Natural Resource Law and Policy
- ENCJ 3050 Wildlife and Environmental Crime Investigations
- ENCJ 3060 Engaging Affected Parties in Investigation
- ENCJ 3070 Environmental Criminology: Patterns and Prevention
- ENCJ 4010 Wildlife Forensics and Digital Investigation
- ENCJ 4020 Courtroom Procedures and Evidence
- ENCJ 4030 Investigative Tools in Wildlife and Fisheries
- ENCJ 4040 Wildlife Genetics and Forensic Applications
- GISC 2010 Digital Mapping and GIS for Environmental Crime Investigations
For course requirements and a better look into your program, view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
Environmental Crime Investigation Course Examples
Ecological Principles: Applications to Conservation and Wildlife
This comprehensive course delves into the fundamental concepts of ecology and their relevance in addressing contemporary conservation challenges. Through a combination of theoretical instruction and practical applications, students will explore key ecological principles that help explain and mitigate the impacts of climate change, human activities, and invasive species on ecological systems. Through course activities, students will develop a solid foundation in the key principles of ecology and their direct applications to conservation. This knowledge will enable them to contribute effectively to the understanding and management of ecological systems and the preservation of biodiversity.
Administrative Structure and Criminal Justice
Learn the administrative structures and processes that shape the U.S. criminal justice system, and examine the roles of local, state, federal, and tribal agencies.
Digital Mapping and GIS for Environmental Investigation
An introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to collect, visualize, and analyze spatial data to identify patterns, monitor ecosystems, and support enforcement cases.
Learn from Leaders
Career Edge Endorsement
Environmental crime is getting more complex every year, and we need officers who understand both the law and the science behind what they’re seeing in the field. A 90-credit Environmental Crime program, like the one at Unity Environmental University, helps build that kind of tech-savvy, environmentally literate workforce. It will be a real asset for agencies like ours as we recruit seasonal officers and develop a strong pipeline of future full-time talent.
Delaware Natural Resources Police
The 90-Credit Advantage
Give Your
Career an Edge
With Unity’s Career Edge digital badges, you won’t have to wait until graduation to prove your value. Every skills-first general education course in the Environmental Crime Investigation program awards a shareable digital badge: portable, verifiable credentials you can display on LinkedIn, your resume, or job applications.
These badges highlight work-ready skills like communication, problem solving, collaboration, and data use, so employers can see exactly what you bring to the table. You’ll also earn a Transferable Workplace Skills Endorsement, giving you a recognized credential to advance your career even before completing your degree.
Realizing Your Potential. Protecting Your Planet.
Why Unity Career Edge?
High Educational Value
Nationally recognized educational quality at an affordable price.
Sustainability Core
Committed to sustainable practices to prepare for a future of environmental awareness.
Personalized Guidance
Dedicated to turning career and academic aspirations into tangible achievements.
Transfer-Friendly
Transfer up to 60 of your prior credits to save even more and finish faster.
Inspiring Faculty
Connect with experts who share your passion for working in the industry.
Future Success
Ranked in the top 1% of universities nationwide by the Social Mobility Index.
Multiple Start Dates
With up to 8 terms a year, you can take a break without jeopardizing financial aid.
Learning Flexibility
Balance life, work, and education by studying when and where you want
