Conservation Biology
The curriculum is focused on modern concepts of landscape-scale ecosystem management and research. As a result, several classes explore ecosystems, but also integrate social, economic, and institutional components. Ultimately, students gain applicable skills at scales ranging from molecular to global in classes such as Molecular Genetics, Botany, Soils, Ecology, Geographic Information Systems, Land Use & Environmental Policy, Research Design & Analysis, and Conservation Biology. Students are continuously engaged through opportunities to conduct original faculty-mentored research projects, targeted seminars, and one-one-one advising. As a result, our students graduate exceptionally well prepared to achieve their career goals.
The Conservation Biology Research Track is designed for students who wish to attend graduate school or pursue a career in research. This track offers more flexibility than the Wildlife and Fisheries Management Track. With this degree students can explore a diversity of courses in other fields (e.g. Chemistry and Geography) that will supplement their solid foundation in Conservation Biology.
Agricultural Extension Agent
Habitat-Restoration Specialist
Conservation Scientist
Law Enforcement
Consultant -
Biological/Environmental Naturalist
Ecologist
Park Ranger
Environmental Biologist/Technician
Range Manager
Fisheries Biologist/Technician
Wildlife Officer
Game Farm Manager
Wildlife Biologist/Technician
Providing student research opportunities is at the heart of LMU’s Conservation Biology Program. In order to facilitate faculty and student research, the Department of Biology maintains the Cumberland Mountain Research Center and the Powell River Aquatic Research Station which house several conservation-related research projects. Many are centered across the Appalachian region while some are international in scope having occured in places such as Belize, Costa Rica, Kenya, Peru, and Thailand. Additional field experiences are provided through class participation and collaborative associations with various government and private organizations. Through these centers students learn the critical thinking skills required to develop scientifically sound research designs and collect meaningful data. They go on to develop the skills to analyze, interpret, and ultimately disseminate this information. In some cases, students have even published manuscripts in the primary literature.
Graduates have gone on to have very successful careers and become well respected leaders in their field. They have worked at various state and federal institutions, become environmental consultants, worked at zoos, and with many other organizations. Others have pursued additional certifications and gone on to teach high school, become veterinarians, and even practice law. The opportunities available to graduates are as varied as the interests of the student. Graduates have gained employment at the following places:
Georgia Department of Environment
Tennessee Natural Resources Conservation Service
Kentucky Department of Game and Fish
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Kentucky State Parks
United States Department of Agriculture
National Park Service
United States Corp of Engineers
For more information about Conservation Biology , please contact:
Dr. Whitney Kistler | 423.869.6227 | Whitney.Kistler@lmunet.edu
The Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) School of Mathematics and Sciences is hosting a weekly virtual lecture series entitled “The Adventures in Field Research Seminar Series” which will highlight field research with guest speakers from around the region.
Over 600 undergraduate students honored for high academic marks during the Fall 2020 semester.
LMU President Clayton Hess has announced that LMU will open campus as scheduled to start the Spring 2021 semester. However, with surging COVID cases across the country, all classes -- didactic and laboratory -- will begin in an online format for the first two weeks.