Integrative Conservation, Minor

The Institute for Integrative Conservation

A changing and complex global context and the narrow focus of many previous conservation efforts means that we need to take integrative approaches that balance the conservation and preservation of wildlife and their ecosystems with human wellbeing and in co-design with local communities. By wellbeing we refer to the health, social, environmental, and economic opportunities of peoples who are directly and indirectly connected to conservation action. Our approach to co-design with communities helps to preserve human cultural diversity while also addressing the needs of local peoples and helps to incorporate their ways of knowing and learning into the conception, design, and implementation of conservation projects.

The major and minor in integrative conservation provides students with the interdisciplinary training they need to engage a diversity of perspectives and solutions when addressing complex global conservation challenges. In the major, the application of this knowledge is reinforced by requiring students to complete coursework in innovation and entrepreneurship and a capstone project with an external conservation partner. These collaborative projects are coordinated and organized by the Institute for Integrative Conservation (IIC). Students will apply for and be matched to these opportunities by the IIC. This major and minor is designed for students who would like to explore career opportunities related to biodiversity conservation and the maintenance of social-ecological systems in the face of global environmental threats.

Required Credit Hours: 21
 

Introduction to Integrative Conservation
CONS 201Introduction to Integrative Conservation3
Biodiversity
Select one of the following:3
Conservation Biology
Marine Ecology and Conservation
Introduction to Conservation GIS
Advanced Topics in Conservation (with topic Disease Ecology)
Conservation Behavior
Biodiversity Conservation
Or other approved course
Human Wellbeing and Nature
Select one of the following:3
Select one Human Wellbeing and Nature course3
Political Ecology of Conservation
Sustainable Livelihoods (or other approved course)
Advanced Topics in Conservation (with topics Economics of Conservation, One Health or Sustainable Food Systems)
Communities, Voices, and Conservation
Select one of the following:3
Environmental Justice
Conservation Ethics
Indigenous Knowledges & Conservation
Or other approved course
Electives
Select nine credits of CONS prefix courses numbered above 300.9
Total Hours24