What courses are in the program?

General Education Core: 35 creditsEnvironmental Professional Core: 13 creditsElective Courses: 39 creditsProgram Core: 33 creditsBIOL 201 Organisms that Sustain the Earth: Understanding PlantsBIOL 203 Ecological Principles: Applications to Conservation and WildlifeENCJ 305 Natural Resource Law and PolicyMATH 401 Statistics for Wildlife ProfessionalsWCON 201 Plant and Wildlife InteractionsWCON 301 Human Dimensions of Wildlife ConservationWCON 303 Life History and Identification of Birds and MammalsWCON 305 Wildlife Conservation GeneticsWCON 307 Vectors, Wildlife, and DiseaseWCON 403 Habitat Management for WildlifeWCON 405 Wildlife Population Management

wildlife-conservation-degree-unity-college

100% Online Bachelor of Science Degree

Build a Career Protecting Wildlife

Q: What does the BS in Wildlife Conservation prepare me for?

A Bachelor&#8217;s in Wildlife Conservation is a science-based degree that prepares students for careers in wildlife biology, conservation management, and environmental research. Students explore core topics such as ecology, wildlife behavior, and population dynamics. They also learn how to apply conservation planning in real-world settings.The program emphasizes applying scientific knowledge to real-world challenges, with a focus on sustainable wildlife management. It also examines the social and environmental factors that shape conservation decisions. Graduates are prepared to work with government agencies, nonprofits, and environmental consulting organizations in roles that support wildlife and habitat protection.

Prepare for a future safeguarding our planet’s precious biodiversity.

Choose Your Next Step

Your way. We’re here when you need us.

Unity’s online programs are trusted by over 10,000 students across all 50 states.

88% of Unity graduates are employed or earning advanced degrees within 6 months.

Program Overview

Wildlife Conservation

This bachelor’s program is for passionate individuals who are ready to safeguard biodiversity. With applied learning in ecology, habitat management, and conservation policy, ensuring you’re equipped to tackle global environmental challenges.

Career Outlook: Zoologist and Wildlife Biologists in the U.S.

18 K

Number of jobs in 2024

2 %

Est. job growth through 2034

$ 73 K

Median annual salary 2024

*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 Bachelor’s in Wildlife Conservation?

Wildlife Biologist

Study animals in their natural habitats and develop conservation strategies

Amidst a thicket of weathered reeds, an American bittern stands tall, its neck stretched skyward in an attempt to blend with its reedy surroundings.

Habitat Restoration

Restore degraded lands to support native wildlife and plant communities

wildlife-refuge-manager-passion-in-the-campus-green-2026-01-09-12-26-13-utc

Wildlife Manager

Oversee wildlife populations and habitats to sustain healthy ecosystems

Wildlife Conservationist

Manage field and advocacy programs that protect species and habitats

“Unity surprised me the most with its 5-week class format, supportive instructors, and affordability. While we often consider online classes a go-at-your-own-pace option, Unity is structured differently, and I excel with structured but fast-paced courses.”

Hunter S.
Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation

View Hunter’s Full Story

Hunter S.
Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation

Hunter always knew that his future would involve working to protect the natural world. His journey led him to Unity, thanks to a family connection, one of his relatives had graduated from Unity in the early 1990s and recommended it as a perfect fit for someone with his love for the outdoors.

Hunter, chose Unity’s Distance Education program, which allowed him to stay close to his Maryland home while caring for his ill father. Sadly, his father passed away during his first year at Unity, but Hunter knew his father would have wanted him to continue his education. Now, his mother is his biggest supporter as he works toward his B.S. in Wildlife Conservation, a degree that fits his goal of working for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. “I want to build a career in conservation and wildlife management, and this program aligns perfectly with my long-term goals,” explains Hunter.

One of the standout experiences for Hunter at Unity has been his Transformational Leadership course with Professor Carson. The course had a lasting impact, helping him discover his leadership style and how to drive positive change in various contexts.

“Professor Carson’s approach was both challenging and inspiring. He pushed us to think critically about leadership and how it applies not just in conservation but in any job or life situation. The skills and concepts I’ve gained will be invaluable throughout my career.”

Unity’s supportive and diverse community has played a key role in his positive experience. “I’ve had the chance to collaborate with people from all kinds of backgrounds, and the support from both students and professors has been incredible,” Hunter shares.

The Distance Learning program has allowed Hunter to balance his studies with his responsibilities at home, and he is on track to graduate on time.

“Unity has truly boosted my self-confidence and made learning enjoyable,” Hunter concludes. “I can’t wait to see where this path takes me.”

Are you ready to discover what YOU can do? Explore the opportunities at Unity – Distance Education today and take the first step toward achieving your dreams.

Start YOUR journey to success today!

What you’ll learn

Protect Wildlife and Shape Habitats

Describe the social, legal, and economic principles that underpin modern wildlife management and conservation efforts
Demonstrate skills in identifying animals and plants that are critical for wildlife management and conservation
Learn about the life history traits and ecology of plants and animals, and how these factors influence wildlife habitat management
Gain expertise in choosing and applying various techniques for habitat management, including monitoring and modeling wildlife populations
Master techniques for wildlife management, focusing on monitoring, modeling, and managing populations to sustain biodiversity and ecosystems

Awards and recognition

Proudly Recognized for Excellence

Tuition Rates

We believe a college education should help launch you into a promising future, not weigh you down with debt. Unity’s online bachelor’s programs are $470 per credit, with no term-based fees and free text resources in most courses.

Tuition Locked Through 2030!

While many U.S. colleges raise tuition by 2–4% each year, your tuition rate at Unity stays the same, giving you cost certainty from your first term through graduation.

Military Friendly

Active-duty service members, veterans, and their families receive a reduced tuition rate of $423 per credit. VA education benefits (including the GI Bill®, Chapter 31, Chapter 35, and Active Duty Tuition Assistance) may be applied toward the cost of your degree.

NO SURPRISES. NO UNNECESSARY FEES.

Transparent, Predictable Pricing

See why 98% of Unity students don’t need private loans.

Affordable, Transparent Tuition

With no hidden fees!

Flexible Payment Options

Plans that fit your budget.

Locked-In Tuition

7 years with no tuition increase.

Earn While You Learn

Work full-time while studying.

Personalized Financial Plan

Know your cost before you start.

Low Textbook Costs

Free materials in most courses.

how much you can save?

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Out-of-Pocket Costs

Our Net Price Calculator shows your personalized cost of attendance, including how Pell Grant eligibility and other financial aid can make your degree more affordable.

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Learn from Leaders

Learn from Leaders

Ph.D. and M.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Biology

Dr. Meghan Martin
Global Expert in Conservation and Behavioral Ecology

Learn More About Dr. Martin

Dr. Meghan Martin
Global Expert in Conservation and Behavioral Ecology

Dr. Meghan Martin has been working in the field of behavioral ecology and wildlife conservation for 15 years. Her background includes working as a primate keeper at Oregon Health and Science University’s Oregon Primate Center, a postdoctoral position with the San Diego Wildlife Alliance (San Diego Zoo) on conservation breeding in giant pandas, researching mate choice in conservation breeding programs with the American Zoo Association, and serving as faculty for Animal Behavior at Washington State University. Her time in China led to her doctoral degree and the founding of PDXWildlife, a non-profit that works with conservation breeding programs worldwide to optimize breeding success in managed care settings. Her area of expertise focuses on the ecology and behavior of giant pandas, African painted dogs, and American river otters. Her research has explored how species adapt to managed care environments and utilizes the knowledge of a species’ natural ecology (e.g. social and mating systems) to improve reproductive success. Her research has been featured in Nature, Reuters, The Washington Post, Discover Magazine, ILFScience, and National Geographic. She received her Ph.D. and M.S. in Biology from Portland State University and a B.A. in Biology from Reed College.

Learn from Leaders

Ph.D. in Plant Biology

Dr. Megan O’Connell
Assistant Professor of Environmental Communications and Information Literacy

More Info

Dr. Megan O’Connell
Assistant Professor of Environmental Communications and Information Literacy

Dr. Megan O’Connell is an ecologist and conservationist based out of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas where she leads their conservation botany research program. Dr. O’Connell’s expertise range from field ecology, conservation and community science, plant-mutualist interactions, population and landscape genetics, botany, science communication, and science media production.

Learn from Leaders

PhD in Integrative and Evolutionary Biology

Maureen McCarthy
Global Expert in Primate Behavior and Conservation

More Info

Maureen McCarthy
Global Expert in Primate Behavior and Conservation

Dr. Maureen McCarthy is a biologist specializing in primate behavior and conservation. She earned a master’s degree studying chimpanzees who use American Sign Language to communicate. She then went on to study primates in their natural environment, doing fieldwork on Tibetan macaques in China and chimpanzees in Uganda. She earned her PhD in Integrative and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Southern California by using a genetic approach to study an endangered chimpanzee population in forest fragments of Uganda. Later, as a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, she explored behavioral and social diversity in chimpanzees by analyzing camera trap data from 40 sites across Equatorial Africa. She has educated diverse students on topics such as animal behavior, evolution, cognition, and wildlife conservation in various settings in the US and abroad.

Have Questions About the Bachelor’s in Wildlife Conservation?

Wildlife conservation is the practice of protecting and preserving biodiversity by ensuring the survival of various species and their habitats. This field involves a blend of ecology, biology, and environmental science to address issues like habitat destruction, climate change, and poaching. Professionals in wildlife conservation work on projects related to habitat restoration, wildlife management, and endangered species recovery.

At Unity Environmental University, our wildlife conservation program equips students with the knowledge and skills to tackle these critical challenges. You’ll learn about ecosystem dynamics, species behavior, and conservation strategies while gaining hands-on experience through fieldwork and research projects. Graduates are prepared for careers in wildlife management, environmental policy, conservation education, and research. By promoting sustainable practices and policies, you can play a pivotal role in preserving our planet’s biodiversity for future generations.

A Bachelor’s in Wildlife Conservation is a science-based degree that prepares students for careers in wildlife biology, conservation management, and environmental research. Students explore core topics such as ecology, wildlife behavior, and population dynamics. They also learn how to apply conservation planning in real-world settings.

The program emphasizes applying scientific knowledge to real-world challenges, with a focus on sustainable wildlife management. It also examines the social and environmental factors that shape conservation decisions. Graduates are prepared to work with government agencies, nonprofits, and environmental consulting organizations in roles that support wildlife and habitat protection.

Our comprehensive 120-credit program can be tailored to fit your schedule and goals! Completion time is flexible, determined by the number of credits you choose to take each term (8 terms/year) and less time with transfer credits. Without transfer credits, you can anticipate the following completion times:

48 credits/year: Fast-track your education in only 2.6 years
30 credits/year: Achieve your degree in 4 years
24 credits/year: Complete in just 5 years

General Education Core: 35 credits
Environmental Professional Core: 13 credits
Elective Courses: 39 credits
Program Core: 33 credits

BIOL 201 Organisms that Sustain the Earth: Understanding Plants
BIOL 203 Ecological Principles: Applications to Conservation and Wildlife
ENCJ 305 Natural Resource Law and Policy
MATH 401 Statistics for Wildlife Professionals
WCON 201 Plant and Wildlife Interactions
WCON 301 Human Dimensions of Wildlife Conservation
WCON 303 Life History and Identification of Birds and Mammals
WCON 305 Wildlife Conservation Genetics
WCON 307 Vectors, Wildlife, and Disease
WCON 403 Habitat Management for Wildlife
WCON 405 Wildlife Population Management

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Build a Career Protecting Wildlife

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