Conservation Biology

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

conservation biology

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