Graduate Major
Created as a direct response to the biodiversity crisis, the Conservation Biology program trains the next generation of scientists to address critical issues in biodiversity conservation. This Master’s program uses science to quantify and find solutions to the biodiversity crisis, building students’ capacity to tackle the five major drivers of this environmental crisis: habitat loss, overexploitation, invasive species, climate change and pollution.
DEGREE OPTIONS
The Department of Integrative Biology offers a Master of Science in Conservation Biology on the St. Petersburg campus.
View more information about options on the USF Tampa campus.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY AT USF ST. PETERSBURG
Students enrolled in this thesis-based program are expected to conduct their own research
and encouraged to participate in the field of expertise of faculty. Students can benefit
from strong partnerships with environmental groups such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission and the United States Geological Survey, as well as the USF
College of Marine Science, all of which are located in close proximity to the USF
St. Petersburg campus.
Faculty within the program have demonstrated expertise in a variety of related fields
including ecology, behavior, genetics, systematics, evolutionary biology, limnology,
and herpetology. Upon receipt of their degree, students will be equipped to discuss
the factors that influence and support biodiversity; evaluate and apply scientific
principles to the conservation of biodiversity and natural habitats; design appropriate
monitoring to study native and invasive species; and communicate research results
and significance to general and scientific audiences using written text and oral presentations.
The Conservation Biology program prepares students for a wide range of careers working
for wildlife in governmental environmental agencies, parks or zoos involved in conservation
initiatives, private conversation organizations, environmental consulting firms, businesses
involved in sustainable development or teaching and research at academic institutions.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTERS IN CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
Always refer to the Graduate Catalog for degree requirements. Students are urged to consult with the Conservation Biology advisor to create the most beneficial set of courses.
QUESTIONS?
For questions about this program, please contact:
J. Sean Doody
Assistant Professor and Graduate Director
Dept. of Integrative Biology
jsdoody@usf.edu