An elk standing in a field.
Find another program

Wildlife Conservation
Bachelor of Science

Safeguard our planet’s precious biodiversity

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.

Next Start Date
July 14, 2025
Program Details
Online Learning
2.5 – 5 Years
Bachelor's
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
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.

BDC-15-Best-Bach-Bio-Online
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.

A woman holds and feeds an owl.

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?

icon diploma

High Educational Value

Nationally recognized educational quality at an affordable price.

icon document

Sustainability Core

Committed to sustainable practices to prepare for a future of environmental awareness.

icon quiz

Personalized Guidance

Dedicated to turning career and academic aspirations into tangible achievements.

icon graduation cap

Transfer-Friendly

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

icon idea

Inspiring Faculty

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

icon calendar

Multiple Start Dates

With up to 8 terms a year, you can take a break without jeopardizing financial aid.

icon videocall

Learning Flexibility

Balance life, work, and education by studying when and where you want

Real Students, Real Impact

Unity student Hunter holding a fish.

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

Learn from Leaders

Meghan-Martin.jpg

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
Megan-OConnell.jpg
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
Maureen-McCarthy.jpg
Learn from Leaders

PhD in Integrative and Evolutionary Biology

Maureen McCarthy

Global Expert in Primate Behavior and Conservation
More Info

More Stories

Dr. Meghan Martin
Global Expert in Conservation and Behavioral Ecology
Dr. Megan O’Connell
Global Expert in Ecology, Botany, and Conservation
Maureen McCarthy
Global Expert in Primate Behavior and Conservation

Earn Your Degree With America’s Environmental University!

Connect with Unity Distance Education and start your online learning journey. Speak with Una (our AI guide) or call us at 207-509-7100, and apply today!

Apply Now