Introduction to U.S. Wildlife Law & Policy

This course provides a thorough introduction to wildlife policy in the United States. First, students will learn about the motivations behind policy, who creates policy, and why policy is important for wildlife biologists and scientists. Students will also learn about how policy is implemented and enforced in practice and about the different agencies involved. The course also covers several specific wildlife policies that are influential in the United States, including The Lacey Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and others. Throughout the course, we will discuss how these policies influence wildlife management initiatives and vice versa. Students will be asked to think critically and discuss their thoughts in a number of discussion board posts and complete quizzes to gauge their understanding of the material.

Spring: Learn at your own pace from January 19 - May 2, 2027

Early bird discount* ends December 20, 2026

*Saves $75 off STANDARD, $85 off PREMIUM

No prerequisites are required for this course.

• Textbook: Freyfogle, Eric & Dale Goble. 2009. Wildlife Law - A Primer.

• Various papers and resources will be introduced throughout the course and uploaded directly to Canvas

Module 1: The Basics of Wildlife Policy

• Describe the levels of government involvement in U.S. wildlife policy.

• Differentiate between law and policy.

• Assess the motivations behind a wildlife policy and how this guides decision-making.

• Identify and describe different policy instruments used in environmental policymaking

Module 2: Early Wildlife Acts

• Describe the Lacey Act of 1900, Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937, and their purpose

• Describe the purpose and evolution of the National Wildlife Refuge system

• Describe the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act 

Module 3: Introducing Clean Air Act (1970) and the Clean Water Act (1972)

• Discuss the challenges associated with the CAA and CWA

• Describe the motivations behind the development of CAA and CWA

• Identify sources of pollution contributing problems with air and water quality and discuss potential mitigation.

Module 4: Endangered Species Act

• Describe the ESA listing process

• Describe how the ESA works

• Describe the controversy associated with ESA listings

• Explain the purpose of critical habitat and its importance to species recovery

FORMAT:

• 3 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

• Get instructor support for the 3-month term via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments

• After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society (go to our Continuing Education Page for more details)

FORMAT:

• 12 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace 

• Get instructor support for the 3-month term via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments

• After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school

CONTINUING EDUCATION:

• 16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society (go to our Continuing Education Page for more details)

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Earn 1 credit towards a professional certificate in Conservation Planning with CWS

ACADEMIC CREDIT:

• Earn 1 academic credit (go to our Academic Credit Page for details)

• Earn an additional 1-2 academic credits with an Applied Project