Natural ecosystems and endangered species face increasing pressure from human activity and rapid economic development. As a result, there is a growing need for professionals who understand the forces shaping the natural world and want to make a difference in protecting ecosystems and species.
The University of West Alabama (UWA) online Master of Science (MS) in Conservation Biology program empowers graduates with the knowledge and tools to combat biodiversity loss effectively. By learning skills like ecosystem management, conservation planning and research, graduates are on their way to becoming influential leaders in the fight to safeguard the planet’s natural heritage for future generations.
Why Is Biodiversity Important?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing different species, ecosystems and genetic diversity within species. It is the foundation of healthy ecosystems, which provide essential services such as air purification, water filtration and climate regulation. However, according to a 2024 analysis by NatureServe, one-third of plants and 40% of animals in the U.S. face extinction risk, with 41% of ecosystems “at risk of range-wide collapse.”
As biodiversity declines, ecosystems become more fragile, leading to environmental instability that affects both wildlife and human populations, according to the 2024 Living Planet report by the World Wildlife Fund. The average size of wildlife populations has fallen by 73% since 1970, producing what the fund calls “a tipping point” of potentially catastrophic consequences. For instance, when a fish population collapses, that can lead to job losses and poverty in coastal communities. When those ecosystem failures begin to collide, they can threaten food supplies more widely, contribute to widespread natural disasters and destabilize economies at scale.
A 2024 article published in Nature Communications discusses solutions to protecting biodiversity and human well-being. Conserving about half of the global land area would maintain nature’s contributions to human life while still meeting targets for species. However, more than a third of priority areas are at risk of coming into conflict with humans and their development.
These factors must be addressed all at once rather than one at a time, Cornell Lab of Ornithology researcher Rachel Neugarten told The Nature Conservancy. “Biodiversity, climate, and sustainable development cannot be considered in isolation,” Neugarten said. “We must also factor in nature’s contributions to human well-being, including clean water, carbon storage, crop pollination, flood mitigation, coastal protection, and more.”
What Are Ways to Increase Biodiversity?
Conservation efforts play a crucial role in increasing and maintaining biodiversity. Sustainable land use practices, controlled burns and habitat restoration projects significantly enhance biodiversity by providing species with necessary resources for survival, according to a 2024 article in the academic journal Conservation Biology. Researchers pointed to the need to develop biodiversity protection plans that incorporate global, regional and national priorities. They also addressed the need for consulting with various groups, including vulnerable people who stand to lose the most if a threatened ecosystem or species goes extinct.
Strategic planning helps identify critical biodiversity hotspots that require protection, according to The Nature Conservancy. Conservation scientists trained through UWA’s online MS in Conservation Biology program learn how to assess ecological data and develop science-based policies to manage these areas efficiently. Students are also trained in research processes that allow them to gather crucial data about species populations, habitat conditions and environmental changes. Professionals can then translate this data into data-driven roadmaps for environmental restoration projects.
These skills prepare graduates for careers like wildlife biologists, conservation scientists, environmental consultants for corporations, and biodiversity policy analysts for government agencies and nonprofits. Professionals with a background in conservation biology might develop plans for managing forest areas or participate directly in forest fire suppression and controlled burns, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Whether working with private landowners, governments, farmers or other communities, they must develop a communication plan that engages each person to take ownership of their role in protecting wildlife and nature.
The median annual salary for a conservation scientist or forester is about $68,300 per year, according to BLS data. UWA’s program prepares students to take on opportunities at all levels, including positions with national parks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and nonprofits like The Nature Conservancy.
Protect Vulnerable Species and Ecosystems With a Degree From the University of West Alabama
Environmental experts emphasize the urgent need for conservation action. Those equipped with an advanced degree in the field will play a crucial role in shaping the future of global biodiversity protection.
The online MS in Conservation Biology program from UWA prepares professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to impact the future of environmental efforts. Graduates are equipped to face those challenges and make a difference wherever their career paths take them.
Learn more about the University of West Alabama’s online Master of Science in Conservation Biology program.