Online Schools for Wildlife Ecology and Conservation: How to Choose

A degree in wildlife ecology and conservation may be difficult to find online. This type of degree is intended primarily for those interested in becoming government employees and contractors who work in pollution control and environment-related areas.

How to Choose an Online Wildlife Ecology and Conservation School

Program Availability and Focus

Online wildlife ecology and conservation programs are available at several levels, though degree titles and focuses vary from institution to institution. Degrees in environmental studies or environmental science are normally designed to prepare students for careers in education, environmental consulting firms, various government agencies, health and safety, research laboratories, or the peace corps.
Most degrees involving the study of wildlife require students to take in-person classes, either biology labs or internships. Fully-online degrees that cover wildlife ecology and conservation are rare.

Student Scheduling Requirements

Some wildlife ecology and conservation courses and degrees have stricter scheduling requirements than others. Most degree programs are designed for working professionals and do not require students to sign into class at any particular time, and may not have any specific assignment or testing dates, only requiring all material to be turned in by the end of the course. Other courses may require students to attend class via the Internet, but on a similar schedule to traditional classes, convening at certain times of the day and week. Students should be sure that a class fits their needs before enrolling.

Online Programs for Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

A bachelor's degree in environmental science is designed for those who wish to study conservation. Some programs may have a focus on wildlife and ecology. Subjects that are often covered by a bachelor's degree in environmental science include the social sciences, humanities and basic science, with a focus on environmental issues, including pollution and climate change. Students may be required to complete some classes in a traditional setting before enrolling in online coursework.

Master of Arts in Environmental Studies

A master's degree in environmental studies covers many of the same subjects as a bachelor's degree in environmental science, but allows students to choose their own focus. Classes that are commonly offered include environmental law, biology of water pollution and environmental policy analysis. These programs often require students to complete a research-based thesis project on a subject of their own choosing.