Wildlife Conservation

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Protect Wildlife and Shape Habitats

Earn your bachelor’s in wildlife conservation. This online program is designed for passionate individuals ready to safeguard biodiversity. Our wildlife conservation bachelor’s degree offers hands-on learning in ecology, habitat management, and conservation policy, ensuring you’re equipped to tackle global environmental challenges. With Unity leading the way in climate-ready degrees, you’ll graduate prepared for impactful careers in wildlife management, environmental consulting, or innovative research.

CAREER OUTLOOK

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Wildlife Conservation?

19 K

Number of U.S. Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist jobs in 2023.

$ 71 K

Median U.S. Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist pay in 2023.

+ 4 %

Estimated U.S. job growth for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists through 2033. 

*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 BS in Wildlife Conservation Program You’ll Learn To:

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

Apply now

A research assistant sets up a trail camera.

Top 15 Bachelor’s in Biology programs

Unity Environmental University offers one of the best Bachelor’s online degrees in Biology by Bachelors Degree Center. The curriculum for Unity’s BS in Wildlife Conservation degree prepares students to enter the field as a field technician as well as setting them up to be successful in pursuit of continued higher education.

What You Will Study

Wildlife Conservation
Course Examples?

Habitat Management for Wildlife

Wildlife managers influence wildlife species using three ‘levers’: habitat, populations, or humans. This course addresses the habitat dimension of wildlife management. You will engage in discussions and activities to create understanding of the basic concept of habitat and its components, how various species identify, select, and interact with their habitat.

Plant and Wildlife Interactions

In this course you will be exploring how plant-animal interactions help maintain ecological balance, shape ecosystems, and form the backbone of wildlife habitat. Plants are often just seen as the green backdrop behind the more charismatic animal species that we want to study and conserve, but without plants, there would be no habitat and there would be no ecosystems.

Woman touching leaf from wine grape plant at vineyard at daytime.

Vectors, Wildlife, and Disease

Insects, as the largest class of animals, have an extraordinarily large influence on ecosystem function. In this course, you will learn the basic taxonomy and life history of insects, as well as explore case studies involving the role of insects their impacts on human and wildlife health.

Dermacentor Reticulatus On Green Leaf. Also Known As The Ornate Cow Tick, Ornate Dog Tick, Meadow Tick, And Marsh Tick. Family Ixodidae. Ticks Are Carriers Of Dangerous Diseases.

FAQ

Learn More About Degrees and Careers 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.

The BS in Wildlife Conservation degree enables students to work effectively as wildlife biologists, managers, and ecologists for government agencies, environmental nonprofits, and environmental consulting businesses. This program emphasizes sustainable management of wildlife species through consideration of the applicable social, economic, and environmental concepts. This program also prepares students with sound understanding of modern environmental issues and the professional skills needed for effective functioning in modern natural resource organizations.

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.

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

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

Bachelor’s in Wildlife Conservation Academic Information

Degree Requirements and Courses Needed

The wildlife conservation degree requires 120 credits. You may transfer in up to 90 credits from outside institutions. 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.

Transfer-Friendly

Accepting up to 90 transfer credits to graduate sooner and save money.

Inspiring Faculty

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

Future Success

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

Multiple Start Dates

With up to 8 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

“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!

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
Global Expert in Ecology, Botany, and Conservation

Learn More About Dr. O’Connell

Dr. Megan O’Connell
Global Expert in Ecology, Botany, and Conservation

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.