Program Description

Application Requirements

Program-Specific Instructions

Overview

The Conservation and Biodiversity Graduate Certificate prepares students with interdisciplinary knowledge in ecology and public policy to address complex environmental challenges. The program emphasizes conservation biology, land use policy, conservation planning, and the use of modern tools such as GIS.

Program Benefits

Students develop the skills needed to analyze and respond to environmental issues in a changing world. The program supports career advancement for those pursuing roles in environmental science, policy, conservation, and related fields across government, industry, and nonprofit organizations.

Curriculum Structure

• Core coursework covers conservation biology, land use policy, and conservation planning
• Emphasis on applied tools and techniques, including GIS
• Focus on real-world environmental problem solving

Program Format

• Designed for both traditional students and working professionals
• Suitable for environmental scientists, managers, government practitioners, and nonprofit professionals
• May be completed on a part-time or full-time basis.

English Proficiency Requirements

All Mason students must have a full command of academic English to be successful in their studies. For this reason, Mason requires applicants to demonstrate English proficiency for admission consideration, regardless of citizenship. Click here to view the requirements.

International Transcript Requirements

All transcripts from colleges or universities outside the United States must be translated into English, if applicable, and submitted for evaluation to the Mason Office of Admissions. Mason will provide evaluation service free of charge for all international transcripts, however, some programs may request an outside evaluation be completed. Because of volume, more time may be needed to process applications requiring a Mason evaluation. You should submit your application 6 weeks prior to the deadline if you plan to utilize Mason’s free evaluation service. For expedited service, students may submit their documents to any NACES member organization at their own expense. If you decide to use an external evaluation service or if your program requires an outside evaluation, GPA and Degree equivalences must be included with your course-by-course evaluation. Mason evaluations are used for internal purposes and are not released to applicants. For information on international transcript requirements, go here.