Environmental Conservation: Environmental Conservation MS
Master of Science in Environmental Conservation

Is this program right for you?
The UW–Madison Master of Science in Environmental Conservation is a solution-oriented, interdisciplinary program emphasizing real-world experience and networking. You’ll work with conservation professionals to learn how to apply tools from conservation planning, environmental policy, and sustainable development while gaining expertise in financial management, GIS, and policy.
- Complete your master’s in just 15 months through face-to-face learning on campus in summer and fall, online courses in spring, and a leadership experience in your final summer
- Benefit from a network of contacts—from small NGOs to large international organizations—who are eager to offer opportunities to our students
- This program is offered through the Nelson Institute, renowned for its innovative approaches in environmental studies and conservation
Education that works for you
Built on the legacy of Wisconsin’s environmental leaders, the UW–Madison MS in Environmental Conservation is a condensed and immersive program. Gain the skills to address global conservation challenges—and to advance your career.
Program type
Master’s degree
Degree awarded
Master of Science in Environmental Conservation
Commitment
15 months
Tuition
$1,000 per credit
Format
Accelerated
Hybrid
Credits
32 graduate credits
Admission terms
Program only admits for summer term
Offered by
STEM opt eligible
Yes
Supports F-1 Visa
Yes
Application deadlines
Summer 2025
- Domestic deadline: May 1, 2025
Summer 2026
- Priority deadline: December 1, 2025
- International deadline: February 10, 2026
- Domestic deadline: May 1, 2026
Summer 2027
- Priority deadline: December 1, 2026
- International deadline: February 1, 2027
- Domestic deadline: May 1, 2027
Your questions, answered
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Admissions and events
Program requirements
Application materials required
February 20, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Graduate Programs Virtual Open House
Hear from enrollment coaches and other staff to gain insight into the application process, and discover the array of services and resources available to graduate students at UW–Madison.
Register now →Results that work for you
Environmental Conservation: Environmental Conservation MS
$51,000
Estimated median salary in 2019
Job titles
Top industries
6.3%
Projected growth for conservation scientists from 2016-2026. Source: Burning Glass Technologies: Labor Insight, 2020.
What you’ll learn
Through a blend of coursework and fieldwork, you’ll learn relevant ecological, social, and professional skills to facilitate more effective decision making, better work with people, and ultimately lead to stronger environmental outcomes as a leader in environmental conservation.
- Conservation science
- Strategic communication
- Conservation planning & GIS
- Land use policy
- Conservation leadership
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