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 they 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: Admission Requirements at the Kent Campus: The freshman admission policy at the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon the following: cumulative grade point average, ACT and/or SAT scores, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends.

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago. For more information on admissions, visit the admissions website for new freshmen.

For more information about admission criteria for transfer, transitioning and former students, please visit the admissions website.

Minimum 120 total credit hours and 42 upper-division credit hours. Minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA and 2.000 major.