Wildlife Conservation and Advocacy

The MPS in Wildlife Conservation and Advocacy program isn’t just an academic pursuit; it’s your pathway to a career where your dedication to green skills creates real-world impact.

Picture gaining comprehensive expertise in wildlife conservation, moving beyond theory to actively contribute solutions. Our master’s degree equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to preserve biodiversity and champion the welfare of wildlife, allowing you to make a tangible difference.

You’ll develop practical skills in advocacy and communication, ensuring you’re ready to effectively engage with stakeholders, policymakers, and the public. This hands-on approach is your ticket to a career where your passion for wildlife translates into impactful advocacy initiatives.

Envision yourself contributing to meaningful research projects, actively participating in the preservation of ecosystems, and building a portfolio that sets you apart in the job market.

Enroll now and actively shape a career where every green skill learned propels you into a thriving job market.

Program Overview

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.

*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.

Experiential and Immersive Coursework

Conservation Ecology

Conservation challenges often arise and taking a transdisciplinary approach to solving those challenges is key. Students 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. Students 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. 

Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management

Strong communication skills and professional interactions with key stakeholders is of growing importance in wildlife management. Students 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. Students will explain how cognitive, emotional, cultural, and social factors impact human decision-making in the context of pro-environmental or sustainable marketing and branding.

Degree Requirements and Courses

The Master’s in Wildlife Conservation and Advocacy degree requires 30 credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA. For a more comprehensive look into the program, download our program sheet or view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.

• What is 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.
• What courses will I be taking?

  Research Core: 15 credits

  • PROF 505 Strategic Management of Innovation 
  • 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.
• How much does it cost?

  Your online education should be affordable and manageable. 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.
• How many credits can I transfer?

  Apply online (it’s free!) and a distance education concierge will reach out to create an individualized plan for transferring your credits. We will consider up to nine transfer credits for our graduate programs.
• How fast can I finish?

  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.

Experts in the Field

At Unity Environmental University, our faculty is composed of a wide range of environmental science experts who in addition to teaching, conduct their own research and various fieldwork.

Dean Kelly Boyer Ontl

Subject Matter Expert

Set off on a wild journey with Dr. Kelly Boyer Ontl—an expert in primatology and wildlife conservation! With two decades of hands-on experience, Dr. Boyer Ontl’s background spans from caring for chimpanzees in West Africa to faculty roles at prestigious institutions.

Fuelled by her time in West Africa, she founded the Falémé Chimpanzee Conservation project—a beacon for conservation through education and ecological research. Dive into the hot savanna environment of southeastern Senegal with Dr. Boyer Ontl, exploring how chimpanzees adapt and the impacts of human activities.

Featured in the New York Times and Smithsonian.com, her research isn’t just in textbooks—it’s a captivating journey into the heart of primate behavior. Ready to swing into the world of wildlife conservation? Join Dr. Boyer Ontl on an adventure where education meets exploration!