Conservation Biology is a science-based major designed to provide students broad training in biological, ecological, and related disciplines most relevant to conservation. The program emphasizes basic knowledge of natural history, whole organism biology, ecological interactions, and field biology. The major is characterized by flexibility with a broad range of opportunities allowing students to tailor the program to their interests. This major appeals to independent students capable of assembling a curriculum that takes maximum advantage of both strong background, diversity, and specialization, as well as the breadth available through an L&S major. The program has a unique appeal to students passionate about conservation biology, from the social scientist to the theoretical ecologist, and empowers students to act as informed citizens of the natural world.
Former UW professors Aldo Leopold and Norman Fassett first initiated this major in the 1940s to prepare individuals for careers as game wardens, ranger naturalists, and museum workers. These opportunities continue and have expanded to include work in environmental education; land restoration and park management; endangered species research and recovery efforts; private conservation organizations and government agencies; and many more. The major is recommended for those seeking a liberal education in the intrinsic values of natural resources and those preparing for graduate study in the rapidly developing field of conservation biology.
How to Get in
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get in | No application required. All students who meet the requirements listed below are eligible to declare. For information on how to declare, visit Advising & Careers. |
| Courses required to get in | None |
| GPA requirements to get in | None |
| Credits required to get in | None |
| Other | None |
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
College of Letters & Science Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Letters & Science must complete all of the requirements below. The College of Letters & Science allows this major to be paired with either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements
| Mathematics | Complete two courses of 3+ credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level in MATH, COMP SCI, or STAT subjects. A maximum of one course in each of COMP SCI and STAT subjects counts toward this requirement. |
| Language | Complete the third unit of a language other than English. |
| L&S Breadth | Complete: • 12 credits of Humanities, which must include at least 6 credits of Literature; and • 12 credits of Social Science; and • 12 credits of Natural Science, which must include 6 credits of Biological Science and 6 credits of Physical Science. |
| Liberal Arts and Science Coursework | Complete at least 108 credits. |
| Depth of Intermediate/Advanced Coursework | Complete at least 60 credits at the Intermediate or Advanced level. |
| Major | Declare and complete at least one major. |
| Total Credits | Complete at least 120 credits. |
| UW-Madison Experience | Complete both: • 30 credits in residence, overall, and • 30 credits in residence after the 86th credit. |
| Quality of Work | • 2.000 in all coursework at UW–Madison • 2.000 in Intermediate/Advanced level coursework at UW–Madison |
Non–L&S students pursuing an L&S major
Non–L&S students who have permission from their school/college to pursue an additional major within L&S only need to fulfill the major requirements. They do not need to complete the L&S Degree Requirements above.
Requirements for the Major
Conservation biology majors must take at least 50 credits in the major. When selecting courses to meet major requirements, students are encouraged to meet with their Academic Advising Manager to discuss courses that align with their areas of academic interest.
Introductory Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Biology | 10 | |
| Complete one of the following options: | ||
| Option 1: | ||
| Animal Biology | ||
| Animal Biology Laboratory | ||
| General Botany | ||
| Option 2: | ||
| Introductory Biology | ||
| Introductory Biology | ||
| Option 3: | ||
Complete at least 10 credits from the following: | ||
| Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics | ||
| Evolution, Ecology, and Genetics Laboratory | ||
| Cellular Biology | ||
| Cellular Biology Laboratory | ||
| Principles of Physiology | ||
| Principles of Physiology Laboratory | ||
| Chemistry | 4-5 | |
| Complete one of the following: | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| Chemistry in Our World | ||
| Advanced General Chemistry (for those who might take more chemistry) | ||
| Physical Environment | 3-5 | |
| Complete one of the following: | ||
| Survey of Oceanography | ||
| Environmental Geology | ||
| Introduction to the Earth System | ||
| Physical Systems of the Environment | ||
| Introductory Geology: How the Earth Works | ||
| Three billion years beneath your feet: Geology of the National Parks | ||
| Ecology and Evolution | 6-7 | |
| Complete two of the following, each from a different category (students are encouraged to take courses in all three areas): | ||
| Ecology: | ||
| General Ecology | ||
| Evolution: | ||
| Evolution and Extinction | ||
| Evolutionary Biology | ||
| Extinction: | ||
| Extinction of Species | ||
| Statistics | 3 | |
| Complete one of the following: | ||
| Data Science Modeling I | ||
| Introduction to Statistical Methods | ||
| Introductory Applied Statistics for the Life Sciences | ||
Species & Field Biology
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Complete 12 credits from: | ||
| Grassland Ecology | ||
| Ornithology | ||
| Birds of Southern Wisconsin | ||
| Bones for the Archaeologist | ||
| Introduction to Primatological Research | ||
| Primate Behavioral Ecology | ||
| Primate Conservation | ||
| Algae | ||
| Fungi | ||
| Biology of the Fungi | ||
| Plant Systematics | ||
| Vascular Flora of Wisconsin | ||
| Dendrology: Woody Plant Identification and Ecology | ||
| Plant Geography | ||
| The Vegetation of Wisconsin | ||
| Plant-Insect Interactions | ||
| Introduction to Entomology | ||
| Taxonomy and Bionomics of Immature Insects | ||
| Limnology-Conservation of Aquatic Resources | ||
| Field Ecology Workshop | ||
| Ecology of Fishes | ||
| Ecology of Fishes Lab | ||
| Terrestrial Vertebrates: Life History and Ecology | ||
| Physiological Animal Ecology | ||
| Diseases of Wildlife | ||
| Animal Population Dynamics | ||
| Invertebrate Paleontology | ||
| Wetlands Ecology | ||
| Prescribed Fire: Ecology and Implementation | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms | ||
| Biology of Microorganisms Laboratory | ||
| Parasitology | ||
| Animal Behavior 1 | ||
or ZOOLOGY 425 | Behavioral Ecology | |
| Primate Psychology: Insights into Human Behavior | ||
| Aquatic Invertebrate Biology | ||
| Marine Biology | ||
| Field Marine Biology | ||
| Limnology-Conservation of Aquatic Resources | ||
| Laboratory for Limnology-Conservation of Aquatic Resources | ||
| Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates | ||
Conservation Biology Class Requirement
BOTANY/ENVIR ST/F&W ECOL/ZOOLOGY 516 Conservation Biology
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Social Science Electives | ||
| Complete at least one 3 credit course from Social Science elective list: | ||
| Introduction to Agricultural and Applied Economics | ||
| The Environment and the Global Economy | ||
| Ethnobotany | ||
| Introduction to Community and Environmental Sociology | ||
| Environment, Natural Resources, and Society | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Global Environmental Issues | ||
| Indigenous Peoples and the Environment | ||
| Outdoors For All: Inequities in Environmentalism | ||
| Environmental Conservation | ||
| Environmental Ethics | ||
| American Environmental History | ||
| Changing Landscapes of the American West | ||
| Australia: Environment and Society | ||
| The Humid Tropics: Ecology, Subsistence, and Development | ||
| Earth Partnership: Restoration Education for Equity and Resilience | ||
| Electives to attain 50 credits in the major | ||
| Introduction to Museum Studies in Anthropology | ||
| Weather and Climate | ||
| Plants, Parasites, and People | ||
| Introductory Ecology | ||
| Plant Anatomy | ||
| Plant Morphology and Evolution | ||
| Midwestern Ecological Issues: A Case Study Approach | ||
| Insects and Human Culture-a Survey Course in Entomology | ||
| Theoretical Ecology | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Principles of Environmental Science | ||
| Soil: Ecosystem and Resource | ||
| Literature of the Environment: Speaking for Nature | ||
| Soils and Environmental Quality | ||
| An Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Health | ||
| Natural Resources Policy | ||
| Culture and Environment | ||
| Assessment of Environmental Impact | ||
| Human/Animal Relationships: Biological and Philosophical Issues | ||
| Special Topics (Freshwater Conservation) | ||
| Data and GIS Tools for Ecology | ||
| Wildlife Management Techniques | ||
| Principles of Landscape Ecology | ||
| Special Problems | ||
| Principles of Genetics | ||
| General Genetics 1 | ||
| Developmental Genetics for Conservation and Regeneration | ||
| Glacial and Pleistocene Geology | ||
| Shaping the Built Environment | ||
| General Microbiology | ||
| General Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| Introduction to Plant Pathology | ||
| Plant Microbiomes | ||
| Tropical Horticultural Systems | ||
| General Soil Science | ||
| Introduction to Museum Studies in the Natural Sciences | ||
Residence and Quality of Work
- 2.000 GPA in all major courses
- 2.000 GPA on 15 upper-level major credits, taken in residence 2
- 15 credits in the major, taken on the UW–Madison campus
Honors in the Major
Students may declare Honors in the Conservation Biology Major in consultation with the Conservation Biology undergraduate advisor.
Honors in the Conservation Biology Major Requirements
To earn Honors in the Major in Conservation Biology, students must satisfy both the requirements for the major (above) and the following additional requirements:
- Earn a 3.300 overall university GPA
- Complete at least 16 credits, taken for Honors, with a grade of B or better, in the conservation biology major, to include a two-semester Senior Honors Thesis in an appropriate department 3
Footnotes
- 1
Students may NOT apply both ZOOLOGY 425 Behavioral Ecology and PSYCH 449 Animal Behavior in the conservation biology program.
- 2
Courses in the major numbered 300 through 699 are considered upper level.
- 3
Examples include Botany, Zoology, Environmental Studies; see the Conservation Biology advisor to verify that your thesis department will be acceptable.
University Degree Requirements
| Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
| Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
| Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the basic concepts of ecology and evolution and how they underpin and apply to the science of conservation biology.
- Understand and explain the scientific process as related to conservation biology, including the relevance of theories and how hypotheses are tested.
- Recognize species within some particular group of organisms and explain key aspects of their ecology, phylogeny, and conservation needs.
- Apply general ecological principles to assess and address conservation threats to particular species, communities, and ecosystems.
- Investigate and communicate the connections between the biological and social sciences and humanities as they affect conservation programs and activities.
- Identify, interpret, and communicate conservation ideas, needs and programs to others.
Four-Year Plan
This Four-Year Plan is only one way a student may complete an L&S degree with this major. Many factors can affect student degree planning, including placement scores, credit for transferred courses, credits earned by examination, and individual scholarly interests. In addition, many students have commitments (e.g., athletics, honors, research, student organizations, study abroad, work and volunteer experiences) that necessitate they adjust their plans accordingly. Informed students engage in their own unique Wisconsin Experience by consulting their academic advisors, Guide, DARS, and Course Search & Enroll for assistance making and adjusting their plan.
The Conservation Biology road map is a tool to assist you and your advisor in planning your academic career. Use it along with your DARS report and the Course Guide/Schedule of Classes. Your specific program of study could, and probably will, look different. You should customize the road map to fit your unique path at UW–Madison. Consult with your advisor about the best path for you.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Communication A1 | 3 | I/A COMP SCI or MATH (if required for the BS) | 3-5 |
| Quantitative Reasoning A | 3-5 | Ethnic Studies2 | 3 |
| Foreign Language (if needed) | 3-4 | Social Science Breadth | 3 |
| CHEM 103 | 4 | Elective | 3 |
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 101 & ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY 1023 | 5 | BOTANY/BIOLOGY 130 | 5 |
| INTER-LS 2104 | 1 | Communication B | 3 |
| STAT 301, 371, or 240 | 3-4 | Physical Environment | 3-5 |
| Humanities Breadth | 3 | Social Science Elective in the Major | 3-4 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Ecology and Evolution | 3-4 | Species & Field Biology | 3 |
| Species & Field Biology | 3 | Humanities Breadth | 3-4 |
| Humanities Breadth | 3-4 | Social Science Breadth | 3-4 |
| Elective | 3-4 | Elective | 3-4 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Ecology and Evolution | 3-4 | Species & Field Biology | 3 |
| Species & Field Biology | 3 | Elective credit in the major (if needed for 50 credits) | 3-4 |
| Humanities Breadth | 3-4 | Social Science Breadth | 3-4 |
| BOTANY/ENVIR ST/F&W ECOL/ZOOLOGY 516 | 3 | Elective | 4-5 |
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
- 1
While most incoming freshman are required to complete coursework to fulfill the Communication A requirement, students may be exempted by approved college coursework while in high school, AP test scores, or placement testing. Students are expected to satisfy this requirement by the end of their first year of undergraduate study.
- 2
Students are expected to complete the Ethnic Studies requirement within the first 60 credits of undergraduate study.
- 3
There are three options for Introductory Biology -- please consult the Requirements page of this Guide for more information. The Communication B requirement can be fulfilled by completion of ZOOLOGY/BIOLOGY/BOTANY 152 or BIOCORE 381,BIOCORE 382, or BIOCORE 384 if you choose to take those courses for Introductory Biology.
- 4
INTER-LS 210 L&S Career Development: Taking Initiative is recommended, but not required for students pursuing the Conservation Biology major.
Advising and Careers
Declare or Cancel The Major
Please follow the process described on the Conservation Biology website.
Conservation Biology majors are assigned a professional academic advisor to provide assistance with major declarations, course selection, registration, DARS, L&S degree and major requirements, and tracking progress toward graduation, as well as connecting students with important resources on campus. Because the major is so broad and involves so much choice, it is important for students to meet early and regularly with their academic advisor.
Students contemplating graduate work in a biological discipline are advised to take the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Biology | ||
| Introductory Biology | ||
| Evolutionary Biology | ||
| General Ecology |
Although not required for the major, such students are also encouraged to consider the following classes:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Principles of Genetics | ||
| General Physics | ||
| General Physics | ||
| Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 |
Internship/Field Experience
Students in the Conservation Biology major are encouraged to take field courses when possible (including suitable study abroad and field-based programs) and to gain additional experience via research, jobs, and internships. Students who wish to obtain academic credit for internships can consider INTER-LS 260 Internship in the Liberal Arts and Sciences or arrange in advance to set up a Directed Study for research or internships with faculty to propose as elective credit in the major. Students pursuing funding for their experiences can refer to the SuccessWorks Internship Fund, study abroad resources for funding your experience, and advising with the Office of Student Financial Aid.
SuccessWorks
SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.
Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.
- What you can do with your major (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
- Make a career advising appointment
- Learn about internships and internship funding
- Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students
Resources and Scholarships
Find scholarship and funding information on the Conservation Biology website.
Roland H & Maude M. Becker Scholarship
Established by Barbara B. Glass in 1988 in memory of her parents, the Roland & Maude Becker Scholarship provides financial assistance to students with a major in conservation biology. The scholarship is a one-time award to help support a conservation experience related to the major. A conservation experience may include an undergraduate research experience, internship experience, study abroad program, etc. Awards will be in the amount of $500 and up to two awards will be awarded per academic year.
SuccessWorks Internship Fund
This scholarship provides amounts ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 each to help students take advantage of and enable them to participate in a first time internship opportunity that is unpaid or provides a limited stipend.
Hilldale Undergraduate/Faculty Research Fellowship
The Hilldale Undergraduate/Faculty Research Fellowships support undergraduate research done in collaboration with UW–Madison faculty or research/instructional academic staff. Approximately 100 Hilldale awards are available each year. The student researcher receives $3,000, and the faculty/staff research advisor receives $1,000 to help offset research costs (e.g., supplies, faculty or student travel related to the project).
Holstrom Environmental Research Fellowship
The Holstrom Environmental Research Fellowship supports undergraduate research done in collaboration with UW–Madison faculty or research/instructional academic staff. Research proposals must have an environmental focus, and applicants must have at least a junior standing at the time of application. Apply spring semester to fund work on the project during the summer or the following academic year.
Undergraduate Symposium
The annual Undergraduate Symposium showcases undergraduate creativity, achievement, research, service-learning and community-based research from all areas of study at UW–Madison including the humanities, fine arts, biological sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences. Hundreds of students present, display, or perform their work for members of the university, the surrounding community, family, and friends.
Wisconsin Idea Fellowships
Wisconsin Idea Fellowships are awarded annually to undergraduate student projects working toward solving a challenge identified along with local or global community partners. Fellowships are awarded to semester-long or year-long projects designed by an undergraduate student (or group of students) in collaboration with a community organization and a UW–Madison faculty or academic staff member.