Turn your expertise into impact
The Communications for Conservation certificate at CSU equips students with the ability to effectively communicate complex conservation issues to diverse audiences and stakeholders. Driving meaningful change in conservation requires clear, compelling communication – and this program bridges a critical gap.
The coursework is informed by leading experts in conservation social science, environmental journalism, strategic communications, social media, marketing, and public relations. It provides a theoretical lens paired with practical, real-world assignments. Students gain practical skills in crafting compelling conservation content, applying effective storytelling techniques, creating impactful media campaigns, and using social media strategies to enhance conservation engagement.
Fall Application Deadline: July 15th
Delivery
The program is fully asynchronous and online. While there are weekly deadlines, you can complete your coursework whenever fits your schedule. Each course is delivered via a sophisticated, online interactive learning platform that includes narrated presentations, discussion groups, and a range of multi-media content, including video interviews and discussions with agency professionals and industry experts.
Coursework
This 12-credit graduate program equips students with the essential knowledge and skills for effective communication in conservation management and science. Assignments are designed to be applied to your professional work or personal interests, and the learning experience is enriched by students sharing unique perspectives from various backgrounds. For the full curriculum, click here.
Faculty & Staff
Faculty for the Communications in Conservation graduate certificate have both academic knowledge and real-world, practical experiences in communications and media engagement. They have also worked closely with communications researchers and specialists, conservation practitioners and scientists, and communications experts from industry, government, and other fields to develop and deliver a holistic program that reflects established and emerging ideas and practices.
Lead Faculty:
Jamie Dahl, PhD, (she/her) is an Assistant Professor in the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Department at Colorado State University. Her research focuses on inclusion and engagement within the natural resource professions. Her career has centered on outreach, communication, and engagement within environmental disciplines. Previous professional experience include outreach and extension, forest management, volunteer management, training, career coaching, and research consulting. She has been an active member of the Society of American Foresters (SAF) for over 20 years, serves as an advisor to SAF’s Diversity and Inclusion Community of Interest, is a facilitator for Project Learning Tree, and is a member of CSU’s Center for Science and Communication. Jamie has also received a CSU Career Impact Award (December 2024), a WCNR Experiential Education Award (2024), and was recognized with co-authors for a WCNR Outstanding Publications Award (2025) for the publication Healthy by Nature: Policy Practices Aimed at Maximizing the Human Behavioral Health Benefits of Nature Contact (LoTemplio et al.).
Staff:
Kathryn Metzger, Program Manager
[email protected]
Industry Voices
This graduate certificate addresses a recognized need among conservation practitioners, state and federal agency professionals, and other environmental professionals for graduate-level education focused on communications concepts and practices. Recent surveys and studies demonstrate significant interest and need for greater communication and engagement on conservation challenges.
Alumni Careers
Our graduates have gone on to shape conservation communications across some of the most impactful organizations in the field — from government agencies and watershed districts to zoos, land trusts, and national conservation networks. For many, the program provided the missing piece for transitioning into conservation from another field entirely. For others, it transformed their career trajectory, opened unexpected doors, and led to promotions and stronger job offers.
To hear directly from graduates about their experience, visit our Alumni Spotlights page.
Application Process
Applications are reviewed as they are received. You can expect to be notified of your application status within two weeks of submitting all application materials.
The deadline for fall semester is July 15.
To learn more about the application process, click here.
