Our wildlife conservation degree isn’t like all the others. It’s specifically tailored for working adults who need flexibility in their schedule and are prepared to blaze their own trail. Here are six more things you didn’t know about the wildlife conservation degree at Unity College.  

The Wildlife Conservation Degree at Unity College …

1. … is a ‘Completer’ Degree Program

That means you can transfer your existing college credits toward a degree from Unity. Maybe that nursing degree didn’t fit with your schedule; maybe you got bored of that business major; maybe your time in the military is up and you’re weighing all your options. No problem.

Unity lets you transfer credits from other universities, even if you studied something other than natural sciences or the environment. Bachelor’s degrees at Unity College require students to take a minimum of 24 credits at the 200 level and 30 credits at 300 or above. To graduate with a degree in wildlife conservation, you must have completed at least 30 undergraduate credits and be 21 years old OR possess an associate degree from an accredited institution.

It’s a great option for those hard working, career-driven students out there who happen to love animals, and for whom college didn’t work out or another path simply made more sense.    

2. … is 100% Online

You can earn a wildlife conservation degree at Unity College even while working full-time. We know you’re busy. But we don’t think that should mean you don’t get to follow your dreams. Our wildlife conservation students study when and where they want.

It’s important to us that our students get to work on their assignments, listen to lectures, or connect with classmates after work, on the weekends, or in the middle of night. We understand that students learn in different ways and that, sometimes, school falls from the top of your priority list. That’s OK, because you chose the most flexible degree program possible. It’s your life, so why shouldn’t you get to blaze your own trail? Why shouldn’t you get to earn your degree on your terms. And, depending on the number of credits you’re able to transfer, the degree can take as little as one year to complete!

3. … Offers Super Cool Coursework

World-class faculty with decades of experience in the fields they’re teaching, create challenging curricula that will prepare you for everything you’ll find in the field. We highlighted some of the more intriguing courses on offer and, if you’re interested, here’s the full course catalog.

venn diagram of courses for wildlife conservation degree

4. … is Available when You Are

Unity offers what’s called “rolling” admissions. That means they’re always accepting applications from new students and, because the degree is 100% online, there is a huge amount of flexibility in when you start taking classes. You’ve been looking for an opportunity like this one to finally earn the bachelor’s degree you want so you can work in a field you love. What’s stopping you?

Besides, Unity College faculty and staff can help you find a job in wildlife biology while you finish your degree. Not only will you have your degree, you’ll also have a year or two of work experience by the time you finish.  

5. … Can Put You on Track Toward a Rewarding Career

You read that last part right. Unity College offers job placement assistance through its career development department. Now keep in mind, wildlife-related jobs are difficult to get. It’s a competitive field and you have to earn a position with personal drive and great academic work. But if you’ve been proactive enough to enroll in a completer degree program, we’re guessing you’re determined enough to do what it takes to succeed. Here’s a sample of what your future could hold with hard work and some extra schooling or skill building:

Forest Ranger/Conservation Technician

  • Projected job openings (through 2026): 4,000
  • Projected job growth (through 2026): 2-4%
  • Median annual salary: $36,130

Soil & Water Conservationist

  • Projected job openings (through 2026): 2,000
  • Projected job growth (through 2026): 5-9%
  • Median annual salary: $61,480

Environmental Scientist

  • Projected job openings (through 2026): 9,500
  • Projected job growth (through 2026): 10-14%
  • Median annual salary: $69,400

Zoologist/Wildlife Biologist

  • Projected job openings (through 2026): 1,900
  • Projected job growth (through 2026): 5-9%
  • Median annual salary: $62,290

Range Manager

  • Projected job openings (through 2026): 2,000
  • Projected job growth (through 2026): 5-9%
  • Median annual salary: $61,480

6. … Can Save You Time & Money

At Unity, your work experience may count as credits toward your degree even if it is unrelated the academic coursework you’re studying. Through a program called Credit for Prior Learning, Unity students can receive up to six college credits for any professional licenses or credentials they earned. You may also submit a portfolio of work that documents your skills and knowledge in specific areas or get credit for exams, trainings, or other certifications.  

The bottom line

Choosing to earn a degree is big decision. Especially if you’re considering a degree in wildlife conservation. It’s a competitive field that could mean more schooling or additional certifications before you get to where you want to be. But we’re guessing you knew that.

We find that students interested in a fully online degree are the kind that know exactly what they want. They’re ambitious personalities who bring drive and determination that continuously challenges their instructors and classmates. Balancing work, life, and school is never easy, but we believe in Unity College students and we do everything we can to make sure they succeed. Want to know more, check out the online wildlife conservation degree page.     

Photo credit: California Department of Fish & Wildlife. A senior conservation officer releases birds into the wild.