Conservation Biology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Conservation Biology is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding and addressing the complex challenges threatening global biodiversity. It integrates core principles of biology, ecology, and environmental science to develop strategies for preserving species, restoring ecosystems, and promoting long-term ecological resilience amid growing human impacts.
- Ecology: The study of organism-environment interactions, focusing on population dynamics, community structure, and energy flow within ecosystems.
- Environmental Science: An integrative approach to analyzing environmental systems, including pollution, climate change, and human-induced ecological shifts.
- Biological Systems: Examination of the functional organization of living organisms and their responses to environmental stressors at cellular, organismal, and population levels.
- Extinction Theory: Investigation into the causes, patterns, and consequences of species loss, including both natural and anthropogenic drivers.
- Human-Animal and Human-Plant Interaction: Analysis of the ecological, cultural, and ethical dimensions of relationships between people and other species in natural and managed landscapes.
- Ecosystem Science and Management: Application of scientific principles to monitor, restore, and sustain ecosystem functions and services across diverse biomes.
- Wetland Conservation: Focus on the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of critical wetland habitats that support high biodiversity and vital hydrological functions.
- Field Biology: Hands-on training in data collection, species identification, and ecological monitoring conducted in natural environments.
- Forest and Wildlife Biology: Study of forest ecosystems and wildlife populations, emphasizing habitat requirements, population viability, and conservation planning.
- Natural History: Deep engagement with the observation and documentation of species and ecosystems, fostering foundational knowledge for conservation practice.
Conservation Biology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Conservation Biology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Conservation Biology degrees, including Biological Scientists, All Other, Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 145,680 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological Scientists, All Other 19-1029 | $93,330 | $54,500 - $159,780 | 59,710 | $44.87 |
| Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1053 | $87,710 | $50,670 - $164,290 | 7,130 | N/A |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1042 | $83,460 | $50,760 - $169,560 | 53,250 | N/A |
| Conservation Scientists 19-1031 | $67,950 | $45,260 - $107,720 | 25,590 | $32.67 |
Conservation Biology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $67,793 in Arkansas to $107,253 in California—a 58% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Rhode Island, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 145,680 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Conservation Biology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 41 institutions offering Conservation Biology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Conservation Biology is found at Unity Environmental University (181 graduates), SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) (90 graduates), University of Wisconsin-Madison (88 graduates), Tufts University (20 graduates), and University of Idaho (U of I) (17 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 592 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unity Environmental University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
181 | New Gloucester, Maine | Private | unity.edu |
| SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
90 | Syracuse, New York | Public | esf.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
|
88 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Tufts University |
Master's
|
20 | Medford, Massachusetts | Private | tufts.edu |
| University of Idaho (U of I) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
17 | Moscow, Idaho | Public | uidaho.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Bachelor's
|
17 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| University of West Alabama (UWA) |
Master's
|
16 | Livingston, Alabama | Public | uwa.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Master's
|
13 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| Warren Wilson College (WWC) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Swannanoa, North Carolina | Private | warren-wilson.edu |
| Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) |
Master's
|
10 | Melbourne, Florida | Private | fit.edu |
| Loyola University Chicago (LUC) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | luc.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAA) |
Other Award
|
9 | Anchorage, Alaska | Public | uaa.alaska.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout |
Master's
|
9 | Menomonie, Wisconsin | Public | uwstout.edu |
| Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) |
Master's
|
7 | Danbury, Connecticut | Public | wcsu.edu |
| Friends University |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Wichita, Kansas | Private | friends.edu |
| Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Harrogate, Tennessee | Private | lmunet.edu |
| University of Central Florida (UCF) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Orlando, Florida | Public | ucf.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Master's
|
6 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| Saint Anselm College |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Manchester, New Hampshire | Private | anselm.edu |
| Grove City College (GCC) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Grove City, Pennsylvania | Private | gcc.edu |
| University of South Florida (USF) |
Master's
|
5 | Tampa, Florida | Public | usf.edu |
| Calvin University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Private | calvin.edu |
| Frostburg State University (FSU) |
Master's
|
4 | Frostburg, Maryland | Public | frostburg.edu |
| Queens University of Charlotte |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Private | queens.edu |
| Thiel College |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Greenville, Pennsylvania | Private | thiel.edu |
| Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) |
Master's
|
3 | New Haven, Connecticut | Public | southernct.edu |
| Lake Superior State University (LSSU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Sault Ste Marie, Michigan | Public | lssu.edu |
| St Lawrence University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Canton, New York | Private | stlawu.edu |
| State University of New York |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Cortland, New York | Public | www2.cortland.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| Union University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Jackson, Tennessee | Private | uu.edu |
| Seattle University (Seattle U) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Seattle, Washington | Private | seattleu.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Master's
|
2 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| Shenandoah University (SU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Winchester, Virginia | Private | su.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Other Award
|
1 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| Jacksonville University (JU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Jacksonville, Florida | Private | ju.edu |
| Cornerstone University (CU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Private | cornerstone.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| Fordham University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Bronx, New York | Private | fordham.edu |
| Cedar Crest College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Allentown, Pennsylvania | Private | cedarcrest.edu |
| George Mason University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Conservation Biology programs
How much can I earn with a Conservation Biology degree?
Salaries for Conservation Biology graduates vary by role and location. Biological Scientists, All Other earn a median of $93,330 annually, while Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $87,710. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $107,253 compared to $67,793 in Arkansas. Approximately 145,680 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Conservation Biology programs?
Currently 41 accredited institutions offer Conservation Biology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Unity Environmental University (181 graduates), SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) (90 graduates), and University of Wisconsin-Madison (88 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Conservation Biology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 246 in 2010 to 592 in 2023-24. This represents a 141% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Conservation Biology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Biological Scientists, All Other, Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary, and Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 145,680 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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