The Conservation Ecology and Sustainable Development master’s program aims to train the next generation of conservation professionals. The program combines coursework for building practical skills and essential knowledge with a master’s thesis under the direction of faculty members with both academic expertise and real-world conservation experience. Many graduates of the program hold leadership positions in conservation organizations and state and federal management agencies, while others have gone on to earn PhDs and law degrees. The program consists of a minimum of 30 hours exclusive of thesis hours, including 10 hours of interdisciplinary core courses on principles of conservation and sustainable development.