Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology) ,BS
Biodiversity, Biology, Climate, Conservation, Ecology, Environment, Marine Conservation, Natural Resources, Plant Ecology, Science, approved for STEM-OPT extension, life sciences, pre-health, premedlist, sustainable ecosystems, wildlife conservation
Discover how living systems adapt to environmental change and human influence. Build scientific knowledge and practical experience to address biodiversity loss, habitat degradation and ecosystem restoration. Prepare to design solutions that conserve species, sustain ecosystems and promote a more resilient, sustainable planet.
The Bachelor of Science program in biological sciences with a concentration in conservation biology and ecology focuses on understanding and conserving Earth's biological diversity while restoring damaged ecosystems. You study how organisms interact with each other and their environments, integrating ecological theory with practical conservation strategies.
Through research, laboratory work, and field experiences, you examine the effects of human activity on ecosystems and biodiversity. You explore methods to protect species, restore ecological balance, and promote ecosystem resilience. Coursework includes ecology, conservation biology, environmental policy, and quantitative analysis, providing a foundation for applied and theoretical work in biological and environmental sciences.
The program is available as an accelerated degree option. If you are pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you should consult The College's website for requirements and additional information.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online , ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First required math course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
- Math
intensity: Moderate
This video provides an overview of the Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology) degree program at ASU.
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Demonstrate capacity for scientific thinking by applying relevant background knowledge to analyze and/or develop scientific explanations.
- Effectively communicate complex scientific concepts, ideas, and reasoning with appropriate use of relevant sources and evidence.
- Demonstrate preparedness for graduate/professional degree programs and/or employment.
Through study abroad programs, biological sciences students are able to experience distinct biological environments and gain an understanding of conservation biology practices worldwide. They are exposed to a variety of laws, policies and practices in biology-centric environments and expand their knowledge of how science impacts society. Students also are able to engage in community service and outreach activities, which can help them stand out in graduate study or a professional career.
With more than 300 programs available, Global Education programs enable students to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these programs for students majoring in biological sciences with a concentration in conservation biology and ecology.
Graduates are prepared for careers in conservation, ecology, environmental consulting, wildlife management, education and sustainability planning. The program also provides a foundation for graduate study in ecology, environmental law and policy, and conservation biology. Students gain skills for restoring ecosystems and protecting biodiversity in an evolving global environment.
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
7.3%
|
$84,620
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$82,220
|
|
|
3.4%
|
$73,010
|
|
|
4.4%
|
$82,220
|
|
|
-6.0%
|
$74,060
|
|
|
1.6%
|
$76,780
|
|
|
8.2%
|
$116,580
|
|
|
-1.6%
|
$72,040
|
|
|
3.7%
|
$167,220
|
|
|
3.4%
|
$73,010
|
School of Life Sciences
|
LSC 104
sols.advising@asu.edu
480-727-6277
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
