Major in Conservation and Environmental Leadership, Conservation and Society Concentration

The Major in Conservation and Environmental Leadership aims to prepare students, as future leaders, to use social science to conserve biodiversity and promote meaningful and joyful relationships between people and nature. Through interdisciplinary learning that emphasizes applications of the social sciences to environmental conservation and natural resource management, students are trained to address complex challenges through collaboration, innovation, and leadership. Our major also prepares students to ensure that diverse voices and worldviews are included in the quest for a sustainable future. Students gain strong foundations in systems thinking, planning, communication, leadership, governance, collaboration, and justice, preparing them for careers that connect people, nature, and sustainability in nonprofit, government, business, and community settings. 

The Conservation and Society Concentration prepares students with the skills and knowledge to conserve biodiversity through a nuanced understanding of the relationship between people and nature. Students learn to address conservation issues as part of broader social-ecological systems and apply social science to conservation planning, policy, governance, communication and stakeholder engagement, justice, and collaborative problem-solving. This concentration is designed for students who want to work at the intersection of conservation, communities, and decision-making.   

Potential Occupations

Students are prepared for positions with community parks and natural resource departments, conservation non-governmental organizations, federal land management agencies, state wildlife and parks agencies, and environmental consulting firms. Early career roles may include park/protected area technician, community outreach coordinator, public involvement specialist, communication specialist, environmental/natural resource planner, and policy analyst. As graduates gain experience, career pathways may expand to positions such as conservation project manager, protected area manager, director of community engagement, or conservation social scientist. 

More Information

To learn more about the Conservation and Society Concentration, or to change to or declare this concentration, please click here to schedule an individualized face-to-face or virtual meeting with an advisor. 

Effective Fall 2026

¹

Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).