LEAD. COLLABORATE. CREATE CHANGE.
The Master of Conservation Leadership program prepares leaders to address complex conservation issues. The program is built around principles of experiential learning, interdisciplinary instruction, and project-based application. Our students work closely with a network of practitioners and organizations throughout their time in the program to both learn from and contribute to real conservation problem-solving. Conservation Leadership is the option for individuals seeking to make a difference in the lives and ecosystems of our planet.
The Master of Conservation Leadership is 18 months, including two semesters of full-time coursework followed by a four month capstone project period. Coursework prepares students to work in the conservation field by developing skills and knowledge in leadership, collaboration, systems-thinking, innovation, and other skills. The Capstone Project gives students the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge to a real conservation issue by working with a community partner and developing a project deliverable to help the organization further their conservation work.
MISSION
The mission of the Master of Conservation Leadership program is to inspire and train the next generation of conservation leaders with the theoretical and applied knowledge to make a difference in the world.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
The Master of Conservation Leadership program has seven core objectives that students achieve upon graduating from the program:
- Analyze conservation issues from multiple disciplines and stakeholder perspectives
- Collaborate with diverse stakeholders and individuals
- Utilize systems thinking to examine conservation issues
- Apply interdisciplinary problem-solving approaches to conservation issues
- Apply inquiry tools and methods to address conservation issues
- Effectively communicate conservation via varied media, academic outputs and presentations
- Demonstrate leadership skills to work effectively in group environments
OUR DIFFERENCE
The values that guide the program design are experiential, interdisciplinary, and practical. These values are illustrated in several teaching approaches:
Inside and outside the classroom students can expect hands-on approaches that require working in teams. Students practice new skills and tools through interactive class sessions, field trips, workshops, and course assignments.
The curriculum combines scientific concepts and knowledge from multiple social science disciplines, with coursework addressing including leadership, collaboration, systems thinking, policy, and economics
Students complete the curriculum together and take all of the same courses. This provides students with a network of peer learning and support, and allows for concepts to transcend between different courses. Students can learn from each other’s diverse perspectives and unique viewpoints to enhance the learning community.
During the two semesters of coursework on campus, there are weeks where we forego regular class sessions, and students are immersed in a specific conservation issue via field trips, discussions, guest speakers, and other activities. Immersion weeks are often in close partnership with experts and stakeholders and give students multiple perspectives of conservation issues. Immersion week partners have included The Nature Conservancy, Denver Zoological Foundation, Colorado Natural Heritage Program, and others.
Classroom assignments and Capstone Projects create opportunities for students to knowledge to practice and deepen their learning. Our program balances theoretical content with a strong focus on applied skills that are common in the conservation field, such as facilitation techniques, developing management plans, grant-writing, and more.
We invite practitioners to work with students during trainings, workshops, Capstone Projects, and guest speaking, giving students a network of individuals to consult with in their future careers.
