This program is delivered only through Kenai Peninsula College.
The Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) in Conservation Ecology prepares students to learn about conservation ecology in a hands-on environment in Alaska where climate change is being witnessed. Though this program of study will be based on ecological theory covered in lecture courses, the focus will be on exploring real-world application of conservation research. Through internships and seminars, students will work with government and non-profit professionals that are doing real-time data collection in environmental conservation.
Admission Requirements
- Complete the Admission Requirements for Occupational Endorsement Certificates.
- Complete the Semester by the Bay OEC student application form.
- Qualitative experience(s) in ecology - prerequisite course in Principles of Ecology, Environmental Science, or Program Chair waiver based on relevant experience as demonstrated in student entrance essay and/or artifact submission.
Special Considerations
- Lifting up to 22 kilograms for some projects
- Working in inclement weather and/or for extended periods of time for some courses
- Working in remote field settings for some projects
- Traveling to remote field sites for some courses
Graduation Requirements
- Complete the General University Requirements for Occupational Endorsement Certificates.
- Complete the following major requirements with minimum grade of C:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL A446 | Global Climate Change | 3 |
| BIOL A473 | Conservation Biology | 3 |
| BIOL A483 | Exploration Ecology | 2 |
| BIOL A484 | Experiential Learning: Exploration Ecology Field Study | 4 |
| BIOL A495A | Internship in the Biological Sciences | 3 |
| ENGL/JPC A278 | Sharing Science with Diverse Audiences | 1 |
| ENGL/JPC A278L | Sharing Science with Diverse Audiences Lab | 1 |
| Total | 17 | |
A minimum of 17 credits is required for the certificate.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with an Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Conservation Ecology will be able to:
- Describe and apply basic tenets of conservation ecology and climate change
- Design and implement a research project to examine applied ecology in the field
- Describe current issues associated with ecological conservation in Alaska
- Demonstrate common field and lab skills used by conservation ecologists, as well as ways to communicate science to diverse audiences
- Describe effective ways to convey scientific information to a variety of audiences
- Demonstrate effective ways to share science across written, online, audio, and video platforms, both online and in person