Conservation Planning

PROGRAM SUMMARY

The World Needs Skilled Conservation Planners! The natural world is facing unprecedented pressure from human and climate-based threats. As such, strategic, evidence-based conservation planning is more important than ever. Skilled conservation planners play a crucial role in the fight to protect natural resources as they convene stakeholders and help them prioritize where to work and what to focus on. Their work plays an important role in helping teams and organizations allocate scarce resources toward reducing critical threats and focusing on the right landscapes and species.

PROGRAM CREDIT & PATHWAY

To earn a CWS conservation planning certificate, you must earn 12 program credits, including six from core courses and six from electives. Courses are typically 1 credit, except for a two-credit capstone project, in which students participate in writing a real strategic plan. Courses are graduate-level and are designed with a rigor and scheduling flexibility to meet the needs of full-time conservation practitioners, graduate students, and other natural resource professionals. All courses are offered virtually, with consistent participation and guidance from an instructor. Some courses will also be offered in-person from time to time, depending on interest and instructor availability.

For those interested in a certain career path, choose one of our three pathways: (1) Landscape Planning, (2) Species Planning, or (3) Organizational Planning. Otherwise, work with CWS instructors to tailor a program of study that meets your career aspirations.

Some other details about the program:

  • Consistent participation and guidance from an instructor

  • All courses are accessible for 1 year

  • Each course concludes with a final exam or project (B- to pass)

  • Courses can be used for academic credit at your institution

  • Earn continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain certification with the Ecological Society of America and The Wildlife Society

  • Any course may include an optional applied project (1-3 credits per term)

BENEFITS OF EARNING A CERTIFICATE IN CONSERVATION PLANNING

  • Impactful Career: Make a lasting difference as you help leverage scarce resources and reduce critical threats to protect species and ecosystems.

  • Professional Growth: Enhance your skills and knowledge, gaining a competitive edge in the conservation sector.

  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals and experts in the field, expanding your professional network and opening doors to new opportunities in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and consulting firms.

LEARN FROM THE BEST

All courses are taught by leading experts, most of whom remain actively engaged in their fields. Such real-world experience ensures you will gain job-ready skills and that course materials will be current, practical, and relevant. 

WHY EARNING A CERTIFICATE MATTERS

Achieving certification demonstrates to potential employers that you have a broad, up-to-date background in conservation planning methods and techniques and deep knowledge in your chosen area of focus.  These credentials will open doors to greater opportunities and enhanced personal fulfillment within the conservation planning field.

All five core courses (6 credits) are required to earn a professional certificate in Conservation Planning

Participants are also required to pass six additional 1-credit courses. Either choose a pathway in Species, Landscape, or Organizational Planning or design your own program of study by selecting electives from below.

Courses Coming Soon

  • Climate Change Planning

  • Systematic Conservation Planning (MARXAN)

  • Theory of Change

  • Miradi / Miradishare

  • Healthy Country Planning

  • U.S. Environmental Law & Policy

  • Conservation Economics

  • Protected Area Planning

  • Endangered Species Recovery Planning

Applied Project

An Applied Project is independent project completed under the guidance of a CWS instructor. It can involve working on a project related to a school or work or one provided by a CWS instructor.

All students in CWS’s Professional Certificate Program are eligible to enroll in 1-3 credits each term to work on their project. CWS instructors will work with participants to determine the appropriate number of credits each term.

At the end of their program, participants will have the option to present their work during a CWS research forum.

Go the the Applied Project page to learn more.

Program Flier

Share with your employer or post at your school.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The courses offered in the Conservation Planning Program focus on the skills that are commonly used by conservation planners in the real world. Many courses in this program can also be used as CEUs for ESA and TWS.

  • No, this program is designed for those with full-time employment. Our flexible program is open to anyone in the world and can be completed in as little as 1.5 years.

  • Yes, you must show proof of a post-secondary education and transcripts. Be sure to check prerequisites for each course before you enroll and when you are planning your program of study.

  • Develop a 12-credit program of study independently, with your employer, or with CWS staff. You must take the core courses but can choose a pathway from a variety of electives. Be sure to plan accordingly as some electives require core course completion as a prerequisite.

  • There is no application fee. Applications are evaluated each term by CWS Academic Affairs. You may begin when it is convenient for you.

  • The early bird price break ends one month before each term begins. Get $1,000 discount on the program if you pay upfront.

  • Acceptance into the program can be deferred for one term (3 months) or longer, depending on your circumstance.

  • All CWS core courses that are taken in the past 2 years can be used towards your professional certificate but requires passing (B- or better) the final evaluation (exam or project).

  • Most courses in this program are open for at least two terms each year (Dec-Feb, Mar-May, June-Aug, Sept-Nov) for instructor support. View our online course ads for more details.

  • Program completion requires earning at least a B- in each course.

  • Participants must take a minimum of 3 credits each year and have up to 3 years to complete the program.

  • With support of your graduate committee and registrar, you can simultaneously earn a graduate degree by applying courses from your professional certificate to your graduate program of study.

  • Ten business days after completing all course requirements, we will send you your professional certificate!

  • After you are accepted into the program, you will have several options to lock in your price for a 3-year period.

  • Pathways are optional but are designed to help prepare you for a professional career as a conservation planner.

Apply Today

Tuition Information

  • Per credit, pay as you go

    $675 - Professional

    $575 - Student

  • Per credit, pay as you go

    $750 - Professional

    $650 - Student

  • $7,425 - Professional

    $6,325 - Student

*Tuition payment plans are available; inquire at procert@centerforwildlifestudies.org