The Master of Conservation Leadership, Plan C, is a graduate degree which prepares leaders to address complex conservation issues at local, regional, and global scales. The program is built around principles of experiential learning, inter-disciplinary instruction, and applied approaches. Students work closely with a network of practitioners and complete an applied project in partnership with a conservation organization.

Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  1. Analyze conservation issues from multiple disciplines and stakeholder perspectives.
  2. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders and individuals.
  3. Utilize systems thinking to examine conservation issues.
  4. Apply interdisciplinary problem-solving approaches to conservation issues.
  5. Apply inquiry tools and methods to address conservation issues.
  6. Effectively communicate conservation via varied media, academic outputs and presentations.
  7. Demonstrate leadership skills to work effectively in group environments.

Effective Spring 2019

Plan of Study Grid
First YearCredits
NR 541Conservation Governance2
NR 543BCatalyzing Change: Collaborative Conservation3
NR 544DConservation Methods: Spatial Information1
NR 544EConservation Methods: Integrative Field Work3
NR 545BMultilevel Views: Society and Conservation- Global3
NR 549AConservation and Systems Leadership3
NR 549BConservation and Systems Leadership: Field3
NR 562Ecosystem Services in a Changing World3
NR 564Systems Thinking and Biodiversity3
 Total Credits24
Second Year
NR 586Conservation Leadership Capstone6
 Total Credits6
 Program Total Credits:30

A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program.

For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.

Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees

NOTE:  Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.

Forms are available online.

Step Due Date
1. Application for admission (online) Six months before first registration
2. Diagnostic examination when required Before first registration
3. Appointment of advisor Before first registration
4. Selection of graduate committee Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) Two terms prior to final examination
7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) Within two working days after results are known
8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) When change is made
9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website
9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying
10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee
11. Final examination Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website
12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website.
14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
15. Graduation Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website