Minor in Applied Conservation Studies
The minor in applied conservation studies is designed for undergraduate students who wish to augment their main academic program with conservation studies taught in an experiential manner. There are two tracks by which students can complete the minor: the Semester whose focus is on “Applied Conservation Strategies” or the Semester that focuses on “Ecology on Effective Conservation Practice”. Both Semesters are grounded in natural science, and offer a collection of five interdisciplinary courses that combine public policy, sociology, conflict resolution, and global awareness with hands on experience. Students work with Mason faculty and researchers from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.
The minor is available only to students who enroll in either the Smithsonian Mason Semesters, semester-long residential programs held at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, VA. The Semesters are offered jointly by New Century College in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Department of Environmental Science and Policy in the College of Science under the auspices of the Mason Center for Conservation Studies.
Degree Requirements (Catalog Year 2012-2013)
In addition to meeting the following requirements for this minor, students must meet the university requirements for all minors.
Students pursuing this minor must complete either of the tracks described below with a minimum grade of 2.00 in each course.
- Applied Conservation Strategies track
- Five required courses: CONS 320, 401, 402, 410, 490
- Ecology for Effective Conservation Practice track
- Five required courses: CONS 320, 403, 404, 411, 491
Total: 16 Credits
Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.