Online education is revolutionizing environmental studies.
If you’ve ever wanted to work protecting wildlife and habitats but can’t move away to attend university, we have good news. Online education is booming in conservation and environmental science. Degree options that were unavailable just a few years ago are rapidly becoming accessible.
And online programs are only growing in popularity. Enrollment in online learning has increased by nearly 900% since the year 2000. That puts e-learning growth far above any other segment of education.
So what does this mean if you want to work in wildlife conservation? Let’s find out!
What’s covered here:
- What Online Environmental and Conservation Programs Offer
- Benefits of Studying Conservation Online
- Career Options with a Wildlife Conservation Degree
- How to Pick the Best Online Wildlife Conservation Program
What Online Environmental and Conservation Programs Offer
Online education is exploding because companies need trained conservation employees.
More specifically…
Industry, government agencies, and non-profit organizations all require conservation workers. Climate change, habitat loss, and extinction aren’t going away on their own. People who know how to protect habitats and manage natural resources are needed now more than ever.
The traditional model of education couldn’t keep pace with this demand though. Many of the best colleges for wildlife careers weren’t accessible to everyone. Individuals that were unable to relocate for school missed out on career opportunities.
With online learning that changed. Workers in any state could gain a wildlife conservation degree without leaving their home. By studying remotely students were able to earn a degree that opened doors to new careers.
The job outlook for this field is promising too.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists to grow through the year 2034. There will be roughly 1,400 new positions available each year for qualified students to fill.
Benefits of Studying Conservation Online
Wildlife conservation online degrees have advantages you won’t find elsewhere.
First, flexibility. You can complete coursework around your current schedule. Study in the early mornings before work or late at night after kids go to bed.
Cost is another factor. Online learners don’t need to relocate or pay for campus housing and local transportation. Degrees become more affordable to a wider range of students as a result.
Online students often have experience in related jobs already.
It’s not uncommon for people pursuing their wildlife conservation degree online to work in a related occupation. Park ranger, environmental technicians, or volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary are just some of the options students are currently working in.
Plus the online experience has come a long way.
Computer based labs, field simulations, and streamed lectures from professors allow students to learn without leaving their homes. You’ll even meet fellow classmates from around the country who share your passion for conservation.
What a Wildlife Conservation Degree Offers
Earning your wildlife conservation degree means you’ll be able to work in a career protecting animals and nature.
Curriculum for these types of programs cover several fundamental topics:
- Wildlife biology and animal behaviors
- Habitat management strategies and techniques
- Conservation policy and regulations
- Research methods and analysis
- Ecology and ecosystem relationships
In addition to classroom knowledge you’ll also gain skills that employers seek. Mapping with GIS, population monitoring, and assessing environmental impacts are examples of hands-on training you can expect from a good conservation program.
Here’s something else to consider though…
Wildlife conservation is about more than just animals. Professionals in this industry understand the relationships between wildlife, habitat, and local communities. Conservationists work with people from all types of backgrounds. Therefore, soft skills matter too.
Online programs are placing heavier emphasis on teaching communication skills. Group projects, presentations, and virtual collaboration with classmates allow students to grow these abilities.
Career Options with a Wildlife Conservation Degree
So where can you work with a wildlife conservation degree? Quite a few places as it turns out.
Government agencies are obvious choices. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and even state departments of fish and wildlife employ conservation graduates.
Non-profit organizations also hire professionals with degrees like this. World Wildlife Fund, Nature Conservancy, and even local land trusts have conservation positions available.
Did you know private industry employs a lot of conservation specialists too?
Environmental consulting firms work with businesses to ensure compliance with regulations. Energy companies hire wildlife specialists to reduce impacts on surrounding ecosystems from new development. Conservation planners are now used by land developers to limit effects of construction on natural resources.
Teaching and research positions are available for those looking to work in academia or advance conservation science. College and universities as well as research institutions have a need for field biologists, lab specialists, and teachers.
That level of career diversity is nice. So is knowing you can expect solid earnings too.
As of May 2024 environmental scientists and specialists earned a median annual salary of $80,060. Wildlife biologists took home roughly $72,860 per year. These are careers you can actually make a living with.
How to Pick the Best Online Wildlife Conservation Program
When searching for your program you’ll find that not all online degrees are created equal.
Accreditation is the first thing you should verify. Ensure that the school you are interested in attends by a recognized accrediting agency. Regional accreditation is what you’re looking for, this ensures your degree will be valued by employers and other institutes of higher education.
Check these items as well:
- Qualifications of the faculty. You want to learn from experienced instructors who have real world knowledge in conservation.
- Topics that are covered. Make sure the program goes in depth on topics that relate to your desired career path.
- Internship or field work opportunities. These are typically required but make sure there a opportunities offered in your area.
- Support services offered to online students.
- What former students are doing after graduation. This will help you get an idea of the programs job placement rate.
Lastly take the time to learn what type of technology a school uses to deliver online education. Programs should be utilizing up-to-date learning management systems. Additionally they should offer tech support for students as well as provide access to digital resources like online databases, archives, and virtual labs.
Community is another thing you shouldn’t overlook.
The best online wildlife degrees focus on fostering a sense of community between students. Message boards, group projects, and even virtual meetups allow students to network with others who share the same passions as they do. Many online programs will be able to connect you with current students so you can hear about their experiences firsthand.
Wrapping It Up
Conservation and environmental science programs are becoming more popular every year.
Individuals that couldn’t pursue a wildlife degree in the past now have the opportunity to earn one. Online programs have continued to improve over the years. As a result more and more people are taking advantage of the flexibility and affordability they provide.
Not only that, but companies are in need of trained conservation experts. By earning your wildlife degree not only can you join a field that is doing rewarding work, but you can also help ensure these organizations have the workers they need to protect our natural resources for generations to come.
The time has never been better to pursue an online wildlife conservation degree.
Working toward your degree is just the first step. You have the ability to make a difference for wildlife and wild places all around the world.
