FAQs

Think of Conservation Biology as the “hands-on, problem-solving” side of saving the planet. You should major in this if:

• You don’t want to just study nature; you want to protect it. If learning about ecosystems makes you want to get out there and fix the things threatening them (like climate change, habitat loss, or poaching), this major may be a good fit.

• You like a mix of science and the real world. Conservation biology takes science and asks: How do we use this to convince a city council, a logging company, or a community to save this forest?

• You want to work outdoors (at least sometimes). While there is plenty of data analysis and policy work, this major often leads to careers in state parks, wildlife reserves, non-profits, and field research.

The Big Picture: This major isn’t just about loving animals or plants. It’s for people who want to use science, history, law, and communication to keep our natural world alive and thriving.

The Conservation Biology major provides knowledge and skills for employment in a variety of public and private agencies, both local and gloabal. 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:  Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupation Outlook Handbook

Schedule an appointment with Academic Advising Manager, Ginny Jackson via Starfish to declare the major.

Follow the UW Office of the Registrar’s credit evaluation guidelines for current students.  You can also 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.

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.

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.

Courses within the major numbered 300 or above count toward the 15 credit rule.

Yes, you may; however, it will not count towards your Breadth or Major requirements.

College of L&S Pass/Fail guidelines