Applied Marine Conservation Graduate Certificate

Engage with Marine Ecology and Global Conservation in Iconic Ecosystems

This unique hybrid, field-based certificate offers unparalleled opportunities to engage in applied marine conservation and stewardship across some of the world's most critical and iconic ocean environments. Students will gain practical experience in social-ecological methods such as coral reef ecology, marine mammal surveying, and aquatic data collection, providing skills for communicating about and protecting marine biodiversity.

This flexible, two-course certificate is designed for working professionals and students seeking to enhance their applied skills. The format combines online learning during the summer term with a required 10-day intensive field experience for each course. Note that while the core focus of the certificate is marine, the 10-day field experiences provide a holistic conservation view, including exposure to terrestrial conservation efforts, community-based conservation, country history, and instructor and student-led group discussions.

To complete the certificate, students must request placement in two graduate courses from below. The credential is generally earned over two years. Completed certificate courses can count towards a Project Dragonfly master's degree, provided the student applies and is accepted into the program. Enrollment in any class is contingent on space availability, with priority for placements given to current master’s students.

Program Requirements

(10 semester hours)

*Courses used to earn this certificate (e.g. Belize) cannot be used to earn another certificate.