Minor in Conservation and Society

Through this minor, students will acquire critical knowledge and skills in applications of the social sciences to environmental conservation and natural resource management. Students will learn to analyze conservation problems and identify solutions through awareness of how social science concepts, theories/frameworks, methods, and tools are used in conservation. In addition to facilitating enhanced understanding of the social aspects of conservation issues, coursework will build capacity in systems thinking, leadership, conservation planning, communication and stakeholder engagement, conservation governance and policy processes, and collaborative approaches to conservation. This minor aims to prepare students, as future leaders in the conservation field, to conserve biodiversity through a nuanced understanding of the relationship between people and nature.

Effective Fall 2026

Additional coursework may be required due to prerequisites.

Students must satisfactorily complete the total credits required for the minor. Minors and interdisciplinary minors require 12 or more upper-division (300- to 400-level) credits.

A minimum grade of C (2.00) is required in each course used to satisfy the requirements of this minor.