At the heart of conservation biology lies a belief in protecting and restoring biodiversity, or the diversity of life on Earth. That’s why the field draws a variety of people passionate about research and developing strategies for identifying threats to species and eliminating those threats to restore biodiversity.
The online Master of Science (MS) in Conservation Biology program from the University of West Alabama (UWA) puts graduates on track to develop solutions to global challenges. As students obtain a comprehensive understanding of natural ecosystems and the conservation of natural resources, they also learn about the potential paths they can pursue to jumpstart their careers in the industry.
Why Is Conservation Biology Important?
The Society for Conservation Biology describes the subject as a mission-oriented scientific discipline dedicated to understanding and preserving Earth’s biodiversity. It addresses critical issues where swift action is essential to prevent irreversible loss of species and ecosystems.
The primary objectives of conservation biology include developing practical strategies to prevent species extinction and investigating the effects of human activities on species, communities and environmental systems. Principles of ecology, genetics and environmental science are key elements of the field, which seeks to mitigate habitat destruction and the depletion of natural resources, especially those that keep endangered species alive.
With the current rate of species extinction estimated to be 100 to 1,000 times higher than the natural rate, the loss of biodiversity poses a severe threat to ecosystems and human well-being, according to the Society for Conservation Biology. Biodiversity is vital for ecosystem services such as pollination, water purification and climate regulation. When species disappear, ecosystems lose resilience, which can lead to cascading effects on food security, health and economic stability, highlighting the value of conservation biologist specialists.
Drivers of the biodiversity crisis are varied, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. These issues generally fall into the following five categories:
- Invasive species introduced by humans drive out native plant and animal life.
- Changes in land and sea use by humans — largely for agricultural purposes — have caused massive biodiversity loss.
- Rising greenhouse gas emissions have changed the global climate.
- Air and water pollution threaten species, such as plant and insect populations.
- Harvesting natural resources, such as trees, eliminates animal and plant habitats as well as livelihoods for humans.
Conservation biologists play a crucial role in mitigating these losses. These professionals can develop and implement strategies to protect and restore biodiversity.
Conservation Biology Jobs for Graduates of the UWA Online Program
Conservation biology is a broad field with opportunities in government, nonprofits, environmental organizations and private industry. According to the program page, graduates of UWA’s online MS in Conservation Biology program have gone on to pursue careers in national parks, wildlife refuges, environment management departments, nature conservancies, biodiversity centers and more. Earning a master’s degree in conservation biology can lead to competitive salaries across a wide range of positions. According to ZipRecruiter, conservation biologists earn an average base salary of $89,403 annually as of May 2025, but actual salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, location and specific job role.
Those working in government positions or private consulting firms may earn salaries at the higher end of this spectrum. Additionally, professionals in leadership roles within environmental organizations and policy-making institutions often receive higher compensation. Graduates of UWA’s program are prepared for diverse career opportunities across various sectors. Potential roles, according to Indeed and Project Learning Tree, include the following:
- Conservation biologist: Professionals in this role study ecosystems and wildlife, develop conservation plans and work to protect endangered species and habitats. They may work for government agencies, research institutions or nonprofit organizations.
- Wildlife manager: These leaders oversee the conservation and management of wildlife populations and their habitats, ensuring ecological balance and biodiversity preservation. This role often involves working with public lands, national parks and wildlife refuges.
- Environmental consultant: The role provides expert advice to organizations on environmental best practices, compliance with regulations and sustainable development strategies. Environmental consultants work with businesses, governments and nonprofits to minimize human impact on ecosystems.
- Natural resources manager: The position focuses directly on the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources such as forests, water and minerals. Managers are crucial in balancing economic development with ecological preservation.
- Environmental educator: Teachers raise awareness about environmental issues, conservation strategies and sustainability practices in schools, community organizations or nature centers.
- Policy analyst: Policy analysts help shape legislation that affects biodiversity conservation on national and international levels. They work for governmental or non-governmental organizations to develop and advocate for environmental policies that promote conservation and sustainability.
The MS in Conservation Biology online program from UWA prepares individuals for impactful careers dedicated to preserving the planet’s biodiversity. The program’s comprehensive curriculum, combined with the diverse career opportunities and competitive salaries in the field, gives rising professionals the tools they need to make a difference for the planet and the species that call it home.
Learn more about the University of West Alabama’s online Master of Science in Conservation Biology program.