This interdisciplinary certificate in Conservation Leadership was developed, and is implement by ¹ÏÉñÍø, in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as a part of a long-term, sustainable program of conservation-related service-learning, internships, and leadership programs. The certificate will facilitate the development of the next generation of professionals who can address the challenges for conservation posed by a changing climate and sea level rise.
Program Highlights
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One of the core courses is a mentored internship, preferably at a USFWS or related facility
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One course (3 credit hours) is designated as a service-learning course in which the student will be engaged in a project at a USFWS (or related) facility
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All four mandatory courses are built on learning by experience in research of real-world problems
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Open to students from all programs, as we aim for a highly diverse set of academic disciplines within the student population
Careers
Check out these ideas from ¹ÏÉñÍø's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the . A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Chief Sustainability Officers
Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.
Sustainability Specialists
Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.
Conservation Scientists
Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
Environmental Economists
Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.
Requirements
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All degree-seeking applicants admitted to the certificate program must meet ¹ÏÉñÍø requirements for graduate admission: an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution. Those whose native language is not English must submit a minimum score of 230 on the computer-based TOEFL or 80 on the TOEFL iBT.
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Non-degree seeking students are required to have these same credentials, though documentation is not required. Ultimately, students must apply to the program in order to obtain the certificate.
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The certificate requires four core courses (3 credit hours each) and one elective (3 credit hours).
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Cost of Attendance
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Review the estimated tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year (subject to change). Non-resident rates are charged for anyone who is not a current Virginia resident, including international students.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ¹ÏÉñÍø, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at ¹ÏÉñÍø, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to graduate students at ¹ÏÉñÍø. Financial aid may be available in the form of University fellowships, tuition grants, and research assistantships. In addition to the financial aid offered by the University, graduate students may be eligible for aid and student loans administered by other agencies. For information about part-time employment, scholarships, and student loans, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.
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