What Courses Are in the Program?

Research Core: 15 creditsSNRM 505 Human Dimensions of Wildlife ManagementPROF 510 Communication for Environmental ProfessionalsPROF 515 Ethical Practice and PolicyPROF 590 Capstone IPROF 690 Capstone IIMajor Program Core: 15 creditsSNRM 507 Wildlife Ecology and ManagementSNRM 515 Conservation EcologySNRM 610 Wildlife Conservation Campaigns and ActionPSYC 505 Behavioral Economics: Understanding What Shapes Decision-MakingMKTG 505 Market ResearchFor course requirements and a better look into your program, view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.

What's the Difference Between an MPS and an MS?

The Master of Professional Science (MPS) is a graduate degree designed to combine scientific knowledge with practical skills relevant to the workforce. Unlike traditional science degrees, the MPS emphasizes hands-on experience and professional development, preparing students for careers that require both expertise in science and the ability to apply that knowledge in real-world contexts. MPS programs focus on a range of skills that are directly applicable to the workplace:Project Management: Students learn to plan, execute, and manage projects, often in scientific or environmental settings.Communication: Emphasis is placed on effectively communicating complex scientific ideas to diverse audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public.Policy Analysis: Students gain the ability to understand and analyze policies related to their field, making them valuable assets in governmental and organizational decision-making processes.Technical Proficiency: Students develop a range of specialized skills and techniques relevant to their discipline, such as animal training, conservation advocacy, environmental monitoring, or other tools essential to their field.The MS degree is a traditional graduate program focused on deepening scientific understanding through research and academic study.

Wildlife Conservation and Advocacy

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Advocate for Wildlife and Habitats

The Wildlife Conservation and Advocacy master’s degree offers skills-based learning in science communication, data analysis, and advocacy training, preparing students to campaign for sustainable solutions and pursue careers across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, the private sector, and academia.

Career Outlook: Conservation Scientists in the U.S.

28 K

Number of jobs in 2024*

4 %

Est. job growth through 2034*

$ 73 K

Median annual salary in 2025*

*Source: O*Net/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unity Environmental University cannot guarantee employment. Salary data represents averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.

Career Outcomes

What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Wildlife Conservation and Advocacy?

Wildlife Policy Advocate

Champion wildlife protection through legislation and regulatory engagement.

Conservation Communications Director

Lead messaging strategy for wildlife conservation organizations.

NGO Conservation Program Director

Oversee field and policy programs for a conservation organization.

Conservation Partnerships Manager

Build and maintain relationships to advance conservation projects.

Wildlife Campaign Strategist

Design and execute public campaigns that drive conservation outcomes.

Conservation Fundraising Director

Secure major gifts and grants to fund wildlife protection programs.

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Unity Alum

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Jacob D.
Unity Alum

Taking courses facilitated by incredible experts in their field really made the experience at Unity for me. I cherish the connections I have made with some of my professors and advisor, they were crucial to my academic career then and have the potential to help me in my actual career now!

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FAQ

Learn More About the Master’s in Wildlife Conservation and Advocacy

Wildlife Conservation and Advocacy is about protecting animals and their homes while finding sustainable solutions to the challenges they face. In this program, you’ll learn how to blend science with social strategies to promote wildlife conservation. From learning about animals to understanding how to communicate effectively, it’s hands-on and interactive. You’ll gain skills in research, data analysis, and community engagement to make a real difference in wildlife conservation, whether it’s on a local or global scale.

This graduate degree prepares you to lead the fight to protect biodiversity by blending ecological science with social science and advocacy. You’ll build skills in wildlife population analysis, science communication, and campaign strategy, learning to engage stakeholders and drive conservation action at local, national, and international levels. Graduates go on to careers in non-profit leadership, government policy, conservation communication, and fundraising, bridging the gap between science and action.

Your online education should be affordable and manageable. Thanks to our promise to keep tuition flat through 2030, you won’t be burdened with unexpected increases or fees.

Our team of distance education concierges will work with you through the admissions process to help you plan and pay for your degree. Learn more about the costs here.

The timeframe for completion is up to you! Enroll in 6 credits per term and complete the program within just one year. Alternatively, opt for part-time study by taking one course at a time. Whichever path you choose, we’re here to support your educational journey every step of the way. Contact your concierge or advisor to create your personalized plan.

Research Core: 15 credits

SNRM 505 Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management
PROF 510 Communication for Environmental Professionals
PROF 515 Ethical Practice and Policy
PROF 590 Capstone I
PROF 690 Capstone II

Major Program Core: 15 credits

SNRM 507 Wildlife Ecology and Management
SNRM 515 Conservation Ecology
SNRM 610 Wildlife Conservation Campaigns and Action
PSYC 505 Behavioral Economics: Understanding What Shapes Decision-Making
MKTG 505 Market Research

For course requirements and a better look into your program, view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.

The Master of Professional Science (MPS) is a graduate degree designed to combine scientific knowledge with practical skills relevant to the workforce. Unlike traditional science degrees, the MPS emphasizes hands-on experience and professional development, preparing students for careers that require both expertise in science and the ability to apply that knowledge in real-world contexts. MPS programs focus on a range of skills that are directly applicable to the workplace:

Project Management: Students learn to plan, execute, and manage projects, often in scientific or environmental settings.
Communication: Emphasis is placed on effectively communicating complex scientific ideas to diverse audiences, including policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public.
Policy Analysis: Students gain the ability to understand and analyze policies related to their field, making them valuable assets in governmental and organizational decision-making processes.
Technical Proficiency: Students develop a range of specialized skills and techniques relevant to their discipline, such as animal training, conservation advocacy, environmental monitoring, or other tools essential to their field.

The MS degree is a traditional graduate program focused on deepening scientific understanding through research and academic study.

WHAT YOU WILL STUDY

Wildlife Conservation and Advocacy Course Examples

A man wearing a bush hat taking a photo.

Conservation Ecology

This course takes a transdisciplinary approach to conservation challenges, putting you in the role of a state biologist evaluating a threatened species’ biology, habitat, and viability for the endangered species listing process.

Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management

This course builds strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills for wildlife management, guiding you through the Structured Decision Making (SDM) process to make recommendations on a real management issue.

Media event with microphones pointed at a person.

Behavioral Economics

This course explores the psychology and economics of human decision-making, examining how cognitive, emotional, cultural, and social factors shape choices in pro-environmental and sustainable marketing and branding.

Learn from Leaders

Learn from Leaders

Ph. D. in Natural Resource Science

Andrei Snyman
Global Expert in Using Geospatial Tools to Study African Carnivores

More Info

Andrei Snyman
Global Expert in Using Geospatial Tools to Study African Carnivores

My name is Andrei Snyman, and I’m formally from South Africa. I moved to the USA in 2012 where I completed my doctoral degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) in May of 2016 in Natural Resource Science specializing in Applied Ecology & Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

I have formally taught in the GIS, Remote Sensing, and Biological Sciences at California State University, Los Angeles, Fresno State University (dept. of Geography) and at Fresno Pacific University, California.

In addition, I have over 15 years of experience working with GIS and Remote Sensing using these to study large African carnivores such as lions, leopards, cheetah, African wild dogs and various species of hyena. Furthermore, I am a former State of Nebraska GIS/LIS Association student scholarship winner and I utilize GPS satellite collars, remote sensing, and ArcGIS software and R-coding for all of my current wildlife research work.

At my current and previous institutions of higher education, I have taught a variety of courses in GIS, natural resource/environmental, biological, and ecological disciplines.

Learn from Leaders

PhD and MS in Wildlife and Fisheries Science and BS in Fisheries and Wildlife

Dr. Brent Bibles
Global Expert in Ornithology, Land Management, and Wildlife

Learn More About Dr. Bibles

Dr. Brent Bibles
Global Expert in Ornithology, Land Management, and Wildlife

Dr. Brent Bibles is Professor of Wildlife Biology at Unity Environmental University. He received a Ph.D. and M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from the University of Arizona and BS in Fisheries and Wildlife from Utah State. Brent has been involved in wildlife management since the 1980’s and is a well-respected expert in the field. Besides working in academia, he has worked for state wildlife and federal land management agencies. He is primarily an ornithologist but works with all taxa. He has worked with several threatened or endangered species, most recently the Mexican Spotted Owls and black-footed ferrets.

Dr. Bibles is an excellent teacher and works at delivering courses using question-driven instruction. His contribution to the Sustainable Natural Resource Management track of the MS in Professional Science is to add his management experience, quantitative abilities, and student-focused teaching style to the curriculum.

Learn from Leaders

Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology, B.S. in Anthropology and Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation

Domenic Romanello
Global Expert in Biological Anthropology and Conservation

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Domenic Romanello
Global Expert in Biological Anthropology and Conservation

Dr. Domenic Romanello is an Adjunct Professor at Unity Environmental University. He holds a B.S. in Anthropology and Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation from Canisius University in Buffalo, New York. He also holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Romanello is currently the Associate Director of Conservation and Policy at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut where he focuses on conserving the habitats and species of the Long Island Sound. In addition to his work in Connecticut, he has a background in researching human-environment interactions and sustainability in Madagascar, employing cross-disciplinary techniques from conservation biology, economics, ethnography, and field anthropology. Dr. Romanello is dedicated to wildlife conservation locally and abroad and manages a critical biodiversity monitoring initiative in Africa. He also loves teaching and is committed to mentoring the next generation of wildlife conservationists.

Why Unity Distance Education?

Learning Flexibility

Balance life, work, and education by studying when and where you want.

High Educational Value

Nationally recognized educational quality at an affordable price.

Multiple Start Dates

Up to 5 terms each year let you take breaks without affecting financial aid.

Real Career Outcomes

Ranked in the top 1% of universities nationwide by the Social Mobility Index.

Accelerated Path

Fast-track your Master’s degree and finish your program in as little as one year.

Personalized Guidance

Dedicated to turning career and academic aspirations into tangible achievements.

Inspiring Faculty

Connect with experts who’ve built real careers in the field.

Sustainability Core

Focused on sustainable practices for an environmentally aware future.

Wildlife Conservation and Advocacy
Master of Professional Science