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Who should enroll in this major?
The Conservation Biology Major is recommended for students seeking to apply a liberal arts education and the intrinsic values of natural resources, biology, and ecology to their career, and those preparing for graduate study in conservation biology, natural resources management, or related disciplines.
What can I do with a Conservation Biology major?
The Conservation Biology major provides broad foundational knowledge and skills for employment in a variety of public and private agencies, both domestic and international. Opportunities exist for conservation research and field positions, in non-profit positions, government agencies, and in environmental education, plus many more!
Check out the the Conservation Biology skills and outcomes sheet to for expected skills, along with common alumni job titles and employers. For additional career directions check out the Society for Conservation Biology Job Board.
Also See: Conservation Biology Jobs: Career Options and Education Info, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupation Outlook Handbook.
How do I declare the Conservation Biology Major?
Schedule an appointment with Academic Advising Manager, Ginny Jackson via Starfish to declare the major.
If I take a course at another UW-Institution how will it transfer?
Follow the UW Office of the Registrar’s Transfer Credit Guidelines.
Can I declare Honors in the Major for the Conservation Biology Major?
Yes. Review our Honors in the Major requirements and schedule a meeting to speak with Ginny Jackson, Academic Advising Manager, to discuss if this option is a good fit for your goals. You can reach Ms. Jackson at vjackson4@wisc.edu or by scheduling an appointment on Starfish.
What courses should I take if I am considering graduate work in a biological discipline?
While the answer will vary depending on the graduate program, you should consider taking Biology/Botany/Zoology 151-152: Introductory Biology, Botany/F&W Ecol/Zoology 460: General Ecology, and Anthro/Botany/Zoology 410: Evolutionary Biology. Depending on the graduate program you can also consider Chem 103-104 or 109: General Chemistry, general physics, mathematics (through 211 or 221, and a statistics course such as Stats 240, 301, 371), and Genetics 466: General Genetics. Students are also advised to check with specific programs they are interested in for prerequisites.
Which classes count toward the 15 credit rule?
Courses within the major numbered 300 or above count toward the 15 credit rule.
Can I take a course for Pass/Fail?
Yes, you may; however, it will not count towards your Breadth or Major requirements.
College of L&S Pass/Fail guidelines