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Conservation Biology Undergraduate Program

Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology

The Conservation Biology (CBIO) major is a comprehensive four-year program with two tracks leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. Conservation Biology majors frequently enter careers in environmental science, wildlife management, national parks, and so many more. Lincoln Memorial University's conservation biology curriculums will prepare you for these and various other opportunities with our flexible programs designed with you in mind.

The Wildlife and Fisheries Track will provide you with the minimum requirements for certification as an associate wildlife biologist, which can open the door to various employment opportunities. The Research Track allows your educational experiences to be customized to support your specific career aspirations, which is perfect if you enjoy research and already have a goal in mind.

Throughout both tracks, expert faculty will immerse you in courses on ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity, and hands-on learning experiences out in the field. We engage our students by encouraging original, faculty-mentored research projects, targeted seminars, and one-on-one advising. After obtaining your Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology, you'll be well-prepared for whatever is next on your pathway to success.

If you're ready to get started, read more about our conservation curriculums below and start on your application.

Apply now

Conservation Biology Degree Four Year Curriculums

LMU's Conservation Biology curriculums focus on modern landscape-scale ecosystem management and research concepts. Classes explore various ecosystems and integrate social, economic, and institutional components. You can expect to gain skills from courses such as Molecular Genetics, Botany, Soils, Ecology, Geographic Information Systems, Land Use & Environmental Policy, Research Design & Analysis, and Conservation Biology.

Students outside with binoculars

Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology - Research

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 various courses in other fields (e.g., Chemistry and Geography) to supplement their solid foundation in conservation biology.

Conservation Biology Research Track Four Year Plan (PDF)

Hands-on learning with a professor

Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology - Wildlife & Fisheries

The Conservation Biology Wildlife and Fisheries Management Track is designed to provide students with a broad experience in conservation biology while also allowing them to direct their studies towards their interests. The degree is designed to provide students with the requirements to apply for the Associated Wildlife Biologist Certification through the Wildlife Society. The degree is for students interested in entering the Conservation Biology field after graduating, but it also provides a strong foundation for graduate school.

Wildlife and Fisheries Track Four Year Plan (PDF)

Example First Year Schedule for Conservation Biology Major

* = General Education or Degree Requirement
# = These courses must be passed with at least a C- or better to progress in the program

First Semester - Fall

Course Hours
CBIO 194 Pre-conservation Seminar 1
ENGL 101 Composition I * 3
MATH 115 College Algebra *#
(Prerequisite: Successful completion of Math 105 or an ACT sub score of 21 or higher)		 3
CHEM 111 General Chemistry I & Lab #
(Prerequisite: Successful completion (C- or better) in Math 105, Math 115, or Math 120 or a Math ACT of 21, Fall)		 4
BIOL 111 General Biology I & Lab*#
(Prerequisite: ACT/SAT reading score of 23 placement in ENG 101 or higher, OR successful completion of BIOL 100)		 4
UACT 100 Strategies for College Success * 1
Total Credits 16

First Semester - Spring

Course Hours
ENGL 102 Composition II *
(Prerequisite for BIOL 290)		 3
BIOL 112 General Biology II & Lab *#
(Prerequisite: Successful completion (C- or better) of BIOL 111 with lab)		 4
MATH 270 Probability & Statistics *#
(Prerequisite: Successful completion (C- or better) of MATH 115 or ACT sub-score of 23 or higher )		 3
CHEM 112 or PHYS 100 + lab * 4
LNCN 100 Lincoln's Life & Legacy * 1
Total Credits 15

See Full Academic Course Catalog

Special Program Features

Providing student research opportunities is at the heart of LMU's Conservation Biology Program. The Department of Biology maintains the Cumberland Mountain Research Center and the Powell River Aquatic Research Station, housing several conservation-related research projects. Many are centered across the Appalachian region, while some are international in scope, having occurred in Belize, Costa Rica, Kenya, Peru, and Thailand. With these experiences, students learn the critical thinking skills required to develop scientifically sound research designs and collect meaningful data.

Conservation Biology Career Opportunities

Student Success

Graduates of the program have had very successful careers and become well-respected leaders in their field. Alumni have worked at various state and federal institutions, become environmental consultants, worked at zoos and many other organizations. Others have pursued additional certifications, taught high school, become veterinarians, and even practiced law. The opportunities available to graduates are as varied as the student's interests. Here are a few places graduates of LMU's Conservation Biology major have worked:

Resources for Conservation Biology Students

Related Programs in the School of Math & Science

Meet our Faculty

The Conservation Biology major faculty welcome you to the School of Mathematics & Sciences at LMU! Our mission is to guide you in your educational goals regardless of if your path leads to research, additional graduate-level education, or anywhere in-between. Contact us anytime for assistance with conservation biology courses and the conservation biology major.

Dr. Laroy Brandt
Dr. Laroy Brandt

Associate Professor of Biology, Conservation Biology

Dr. Noel Cawley
Dr. Noel Cawley

Associate Professor of Biology, Plant Sciences

Dr. Barbara Shock
Dr. Barbara Shock

Assistant Professor of Biology, Conservation Biology

Contact Us

Dr. Barbara Shock
Biology Chair
Barbara.Shock@lmunet.edu