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Conservation Biology Master’s program at Illinois State University
Conservation Biology Major
Biological Sciences majors selecting this sequence will receive broad training in Conservation Biology. This sequence is designed for students seeking careers in the conservation of natural ecosystems and their organisms (all levels of biodiversity).
The coursework will also prepare students for graduate studies in Conservation Biology, and for internships and entry-level positions in conservation-oriented non-governmental organizations, state and federal governmental organizations, and environmental consulting firms.
The School of Biological Sciences touts a nearly 90 percent acceptance rate for its students who to post-baccalaureate programs, such as graduate school, medical school, pharmacy school, or a physician assistant program.
Biology is the study of living organisms, but those organisms and their habitats that contribute to the life support system of Earth are declining. Conservation Biology is the science that works on understanding these living systems so that protection, maintenance and restoration of species and their habitats can be done.
With courses such as Ecology, Evolution, Conservation of Animal and Plant Biodiversity, Botany, and Zoology, students in this major will get exposure into a variety of conservation areas, including environmental, animal, and human conservation.
Conservation biologists work in non-governmental and governmental conservation organizations, environmental consulting firms and academia.
Composition of student population
Masters in Biological Sciences - Conservation Biology
A student applying to a master's program must:
1. have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
2. present official transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned.
Additional Program Admission Requirements includes:
1. Lab Requirement: The first step in the application process is to ask about working in a lab. We do not admit graduate students unless they have at least one faculty member who is willing to have them in their lab.
2. GPA: You must have a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a master’s program.
3. Curriculum Vitae or Resume: Submit your vita in the application system. It should include any information that will help assess your potential as a student in our graduate program.
4. Statement of Academic and Professional Goals: Write a one-to-two page statement of your academic and professional goals and submit it in the application system.
5. Letters of Recommendation: Provide three letters of recommendation. Your letters should be from faculty members or others who are familiar with your academic record and can evaluate your potential for graduate study.
6. Test Scores: GRE scores are not required for your application. However, if you wish to submit them, you may.
International students required to take an English proficiency test must have a TOEFL score of 90 or greater. The IELTS equivalent is approximately 6.5.
Application deadline is February 1.
Jobs, Salaries and Career after Masters in Conservation Biology
Overall employment of conservation scientists and foresters is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 4,000 openings for conservation scientists and foresters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The median annual wage for conservation scientists was $64,020 in May 2020. The median annual wage for foresters was $63,980 in May 2020. Number of Jobs in 2020 was 39,000.
Universities with similar Graduate Program
Are there Online Masters programs offered in Conservation Biology?
Here is the list of top-ranked universities offering online masters program in Conservation Biology
| Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|
| Conservation Biology Online Masters programs at University of West Alabama | $6,868 |