The Certificate in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation is designed to give students a broad perspective on this exciting field. It is the first certificate of its kind at the University of Illinois to offer a sequence of wildlife-related courses.

The certificate is open to students from across the University and it is not necessary to have a background in wildlife or fisheries to enroll. The unique nature of this certificate and the diversity of course offerings will allow students to explore interests ranging from the ecological underpinnings of on-the-ground wildlife and fisheries conservation, habitat management for terrestrial or aquatic vertebrates, and recovery of endangered species. This suite of elective courses also provides flexibility in terms of timing and integration with a given program of study.

Students will gain a fundamental understanding of contemporary challenges and opportunities in biodiversity conservation in a wide variety of geographic contexts. They will also develop an appreciation for the factors that render a given habitat suitable or unsuitable, with particular emphasis on human activities. Completion of the certificate will serve as a signal to potential employers that the student has expertise related to the conservation and management of wild animals, thus broadening potential employment opportunities. Knowledge and experience gained in completing the Certificate in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation may also serve as a stepping-stone to additional coursework in an undergraduate minor or a graduate program.