Master of Science in Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development
Course descriptionThe Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development Program (CBSD) empowers its graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experience to advance effective and equitable strategies for conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable living.
CBSD's unique curriculum combines studies of the nature and value of diversity with studies of the economic and social dimensions of development. The program leads to a master of science (M.S.) degree in conservation biology and sustainable development. Master's-level students may combine CBSD with graduate or professional study in other fields through certificate or joint, double , or dual degree programs. In addition, doctoral students in related UW-Madison programs may complete CBSD as a Ph.D. minor.
Alumni find careers with a wide range of employers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. CBSD is administered by the Nelson Institute in cooperation with the College of Letters and Science and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at UW-Madison.
CURRICULUM
The CBSD curriculum is composed of three major units: a biology unit that provides background in natural science; a sustainable development unit that provides a background in social science; and an individual concentration unit that allows students to expand upon their area of interest and pursue either a research (thesis) option or a professional (internship and report) option.
PREREQUISITES
one course in statistics
one course in economics
one course of basic biology (with a lab component)
one course in genetics or evolution
one course in general ecology
one course on social or humanities based environmental conservation
REQUIRED COURSES, 30 credits Biology Unit , 9 credits
one course in natural history/field biology
one course in ecology, biogeography, behavior, population biology, or population genetics
one course in conservation biology (Botany/Wl Ecol/Zoology/Envir St 651)
Sustainable Development Unit , 9 credits
one course in sustainable development
one course in environmental policy and institutions
one course in environmental economics
If applicable, students may use up to 9 credits of undergraduate or other course work toward their biology and/or sustainable development units. Any prerequisite courses completed at UW-Madison while a student is enrolled in CBSD may potentially be double-counted toward the program's other requirements.
Individual Concentration , 12 credits minimum
Conservation Biology and Sustainable Development Seminars, Envir St 975 and 976
Research Track
two courses in methodology/tools/design
upper division course or seminar in area of interest
four credits of research (Envir St 990 or your advisor's home department research course)
Professional Track
two courses in professional skills or research methods/tools
upper division course or seminar in area of interest
four credits of internship (Envir St 999 or your advisor's home department advanced independent study course)