Environmental and Conservation Biology - B.S. Download to print

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Biology is designed for students preparing to enter a wide variety of careers in the environmental sciences. The degree provides a strong, diverse background in biology as well as the supporting fields of geology, geography, political science, economics, recreation and tourism management, chemistry and mathematics. The major includes two concentrations: Conservation Biology and Environmental Policy and Management. In both concentrations students have the option to seek employment immediately after graduation in the private, public or non-profit sector, or to continue their education in graduate and professional programs.

The Conservation Biology concentration is designed for students who plan to enter careers in government and private research agencies or universities. Students who select this program gain a strong background in applied ecology, restoration ecology and habitat management strategies used to sustain biological diversity.

The Environmental Policy and Management concentration prepares students for a career at government agencies, and non-profit or for-profit companies. Students in this program learn about the development and implementation of habitat management methods and public policies that promote the sustainable use of natural resources and address environmental problems.
 

Environmental and Conservation biologists work to sustainably manage or restore ecosystems, develop and implement environmental policies, or conduct research on how ecological processes affect biological diversity. A few examples of potential careers are wildlife ecologists, environmental educators, forest managers, environmental consultants, and personnel at public environmental regulatory or land use planning agencies. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics) Those students entering a research career will need to take courses to meet admissions requirements of graduate programs, and should consult their faculty advisor.

The Department of Biological Sciences has several mechanisms to help students prepare for their future careers. All students are strongly encouraged to complete research projects through our Individual Investigation course or an honors thesis. Others will do an internship in the area in which thy plan to be employed. In addition, we offer BSCI 30005, Career Pathways in Biology, which provides students a chance to learn more about career paths and how to achieve their goals. Lastly, students are expected to meet regularly with their faculty advisor to talk about career options, get help in selecting electives and discuss ways to get experience required for their career goals.

 

General Admissions for Freshman Students: Students most likely to be admitted and succeed at the Kent Campus are those who have graduated with at least 16 units of the recommended college preparatory curriculum in high school, who have achieved a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), and whose composite ACT score is 21 or better (980 combined critical reading and math SAT score). For more information on admissions, visit the admissions website for new freshmen.

General Admissions for Transfer Students: Generally, a transfer applicant who has taken 12 or more semester hours with a college cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may be admitted. An applicant who has taken fewer than 12 semester hours will be evaluated on both collegiate and high school records. For more information on admissions, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Minimum 121 total credit hours and 42 upper-division hours for graduation. Minimum 2.000 GPA overall and 2.000 GPA in major required for graduation.
 

There are many Study Abroad/Away Opportunities, for more information contact the Office of Global Education.

Departmental Conservation Club