Augustana University

What you'll study

This programme blends core biological and earth-science principles with practical skills in conservation, resource assessment and applied research. Typical topics and modules include:

• Ecology and Conservation Biology — population and community ecology, principles of biodiversity conservation and species management.
• Field Methods and Natural History — systematic field surveying, sampling techniques, habitat assessment and species identification.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing — spatial data collection, mapping, analysis and applications to landscape-scale conservation.
• Hydrology and Soil Science — basic watershed processes, water quality monitoring and soil properties relevant to land management.
• Wildlife and Fisheries Management — management approaches for terrestrial and aquatic populations, population monitoring and harvest dynamics.
• Quantitative Methods and Statistics — statistical analysis, experimental design and modelling for ecological research.
• Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Law — governance frameworks, policy instruments and stakeholder engagement for resource management.
• Research Capstone or Independent Study — a supervised research project or practicum that emphasises data collection, analysis and written reporting.

Course delivery typically combines lectures, laboratory work, regular field trips, seasonal field courses and an extended research or internship experience in collaboration with faculty and external partners.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised secondary school qualification with strong preparation in science and mathematics. Typical requirements include:

• Background in biology and/or chemistry at secondary level; mathematics, particularly algebra or statistics, is also strongly recommended.
• A competitive academic record in previous study; some programmes consider a portfolio or written personal statement outlining relevant experience and motivation.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English language proficiency through a recognised test or equivalent evidence of prior instruction in English.
• Where required, admissions interviews or references may be requested. Mature students with relevant work or volunteer experience in natural resources or conservation are encouraged to apply.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a variety of careers across government agencies, non-governmental organisations, private environmental consultancies and research institutions. Common entry roles include:

• Conservation technician or field biologist conducting surveys and monitoring programmes.
• Environmental consultant supporting impact assessments, habitat restoration and compliance monitoring.
• Wildlife or fisheries technician working for parks, refuges or regional resource managers.
• GIS analyst or data specialist applying spatial tools to resource planning.
• Research assistant or laboratory technician in academic or applied research projects.

Many graduates also move into graduate study (e.g. MSc or PhD) in ecology, conservation science, natural resource management or related disciplines, or into roles in policy, environmental education and community-based resource management.

Why study at Augustana University

Augustana offers a close-knit learning environment with small class sizes and personal faculty mentorship, which benefits students undertaking field-intensive programmes. The university emphasises experiential learning: students gain practical skills through field courses, laboratory work and applied research projects supervised by faculty. Strong local and regional links provide opportunities for internships, placements and collaborative projects with conservation organisations, land managers and government agencies. The programme’s balance of hands-on field training and analytical coursework prepares graduates to move directly into employment or further study in natural resources and conservation.