Wildlife Conservation & Advocacy

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Advocate for and Protect Wildlife With Your Online Degree

The Wildlife Conservation and Advocacy degree program is designed to empower you with both ecological and social science principles to address wildlife conservation challenges. Through dynamic coursework, you will develop practical skills in science communication, data analysis, and community engagement. Our online conservation program also emphasizes advocacy training, enabling you to campaign for sustainable solutions that protect wildlife and their habitats.

Graduates of our wildlife conservation and advocacy master’s program will be well-prepared for diverse career opportunities in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, the private sector, and academia.

CAREER OUTLOOK

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

79 K

Natural Sciences Managers jobs in the U.S., 2022*

$ 141 K

Natural Sciences Managers pay, 2022*

+ 7 %

Estimated U.S. job growth for Natural Sciences Managers through 2032*

*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.

In the MPS in Wildlife Conservation and Advocacy Program You’ll Learn To:

Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by applying wildlife ecology and management principles to real-world conservation challenges
Evaluate ecological, social, and economic factors influencing the conservation of wildlife species, populations, and ecosystems
Design and implement communication and outreach strategies to involve communities and stakeholders in wildlife conservation efforts
Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to address wildlife conservation problems and develop actionable solutions

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What You Will Study

Wildlife Conservation and Advocacy
Course Examples

Conservation Ecology

Conservation challenges often arise and taking a transdisciplinary approach to solving those challenges is key. You will play the role of a state biologist evaluating the status and habitat of a local threatened species under consideration for the endangered species listing process. You will be required to investigate the biology, habitat requirements, and current viability of their target species, as well as the quality of the local habitat.

A man wearing a bush hat taking a photo.

Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management

Strong communication skills and professional interactions with key stakeholders is of growing importance in wildlife management. You will progress through a model of the Structured Decision Making (SDM) process to address a wildlife management issue. After examining the scenario and involved parties, students make recommendations on key elements of the SDM process.

Behavioral Economics

Why do humans make decisions? The answer to this question involves both psychology and economics. You will explain how cognitive, emotional, cultural, and social factors impact human decision-making in the context of pro-environmental or sustainable marketing and branding.

Media event with microphones pointed at a person.

FAQ

Learn More About Degrees and Careers 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.

The MPS in Wildlife Conservation and Advocacy provides students with the knowledge and skills to promote the conservation of wildlife and their habitats and advocate for sustainable solutions to the challenges facing wildlife. By combining principles of social science with ecological conservation and management techniques, the program prepares students to engage in campaign strategies, advocacy, and communication to promote wildlife conservation at local, national, and international levels.

Through interactive coursework, students learn research methodologies, data analysis, science communication, and how to engage with people and communities to reach conservation goals. Graduates will be prepared for careers with government agencies, non-profit organizations, private sector firms, or academia. The degree provides a unique and interdisciplinary education to prepare students to develop sustainable conservation solutions that benefit both people and wildlife.

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.

Master’s in Wildlife Conservation and Advocacy Academic Information

Degree Requirements and Courses Needed

The wildlife conservation and advocacy degree requires 30 credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA. View our full course catalog for a better look into your program. Then apply online for free to get started.

Realizing Your Potential. Protecting Your Planet.

Why Unity Distance Education?

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.

Accelerated Path

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

Inspiring Faculty

Connect with experts who share your passion for working in the industry.

Future Success

Ranked #1 independent university in the U.S. by the Social Mobility Index.

Multiple Start Dates

With up to 5 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.

Real Students, Real Impact

Real Students, Real Impact

“There are a lot of special things about Unity…”

Cody T.
Master of Professional Science in Wildlife Ecology & Management

Read Cody’s Story

Cody T.
Master of Professional Science in Wildlife Ecology & Management

“There are a lot of special things about Unity. One of my favorite aspects that has made my experience through Unity great is that even though I am in online classes with peers from all over the nation, I still feel a strong sense of unity (no pun intended) as we are all furthering our education to protect and preserve the natural resources we all enjoy.”

Protecting Wildlife and Chasing Dreams

The breathtaking skies above Alaska are amazing for birdwatching enthusiasts, however, those birds flying around the state’s largest city are often threatened by a man-made technology that shares the skies.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, collisions between wildlife and aircraft result in over $900 million of damage to civil and military aircraft annually. That’s where Cody Thompson comes in. Cody is a Unity – Distance Education master’s student studying Wildlife Conservation and Ecology. Currently a member of the Bird Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) program at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport in Anchorage, his role is key in keeping traveling passengers and local wildlife free from harm.

Before his time in Alaska, Cody received his bachelor’s degree in Wildlife, Fisheries & Range Management. That degree not only led him to relocate with his family from their home in Idaho to “The Last Frontier”, but also sparked his interest in continuing his education. “I absolutely love to learn about different species, as well as fish and hunt and this area of study allows me to be close to the wildlife that I love all while helping them and people,” says Cody.

His family, along with a desire to reach a long-term career goal keeps Cody motivated. “When life gets difficult, one of the things that inspires me to further my education is the goal I set of becoming a wildlife biologist.” Those dreams brought him to Unity Environmental University’s – Distance Education. The flexible and affordable programs at Unity were vital for Cody’s needs. His classes were able to continue even while he worked full-time and explored the wilds of Alaska with his wife and son.

Though Cody’s journey to becoming a wildlife biologist continues, his time spent at Unity has left him with a greater understanding of not only himself but his classmates and the world at large. “…one of my favorite aspects that has made my experience through Unity great is that even though I am in online classes with peers from all over the nation, I still feel a strong sense of unity (no pun intended) as we are all furthering our education to protect and preserve the natural resources we all enjoy.”

Does Cody’s story inspire you to pursue your dreams? Apply Now

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

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.

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.