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 program offers two distinct but complementary concentrations: Conservation and Society, which focuses on preparing students with the skills and knowledge to conserve biodiversity through a nuanced understanding of the relationship between people and nature; and Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Management, which focuses on preparing students with the skills and knowledge to improve human well-being and environmental stewardship  through outdoor experiences.

Concentrations

Potential Occupations

Students are prepared for positions with community parks, natural resource, and recreation departments; environmental non-governmental organizations; federal land management agencies; state wildlife and parks agencies; outdoor recreation outfitters and enterprises; outdoor education facilities; 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, policy analyst, park ranger, environmental educator, outdoor recreation guide, visitor engagement coordinator, outdoor recreation manager, tourism and recreation planner, and sustainability coordinator. With experience, graduates may advance into positions such as conservation project manager, protected area manager, education director, supervising ranger, visitor bureau director, director of community engagement, director of recreation operations, sustainability manager, or conservation social scientist.

More Information

To learn more about the Major in Conservation and Environmental Leadership, or to change to or declare this major, please click here to schedule an individualized face-to-face or virtual meeting with an advisor.