About Us

Environmental Conservation Master of Science

The Nelson Institute professional master’s program in Environmental Conservation is an accelerated 15-month, 32-credit program designed to train conservation leaders in practical interdisciplinary skills.

Built on the legacy of pioneering environmental leaders such as John Muir, Aldo Leopold and Gaylord Nelson, alongside current leaders in the field of conservation, the program helps passionate individuals advance their leadership and environmental management expertise through campus learning and individual applied project experiences.

UW-Madison Arboretum Curtis Prairie. (Photo by UW-Madison)

Training conservation leaders in practical interdisciplinary skills to tackle complex decisions in a changing world

With curricula in conservation planning, land use policy, and in professional skills such as applied GIS, grant writing, protected area management, program evaluation, and strategic communications, students are better prepared to tackle complex challenges in a changing world. Students also engage directly with a range of conservation organizations and practitioners, helping to solve some of the most urgent challenges in biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

Active environmental leaders that are truly interdisciplinary

Students in the Environmental Conservation M.S. program take an emerging set of tangible skills into the world of conservation, but it’s not only early-professional scientists joining the ranks of environmental work through our program! Students come with backgrounds in ecology and biology, but also marketing, music performance, dance, nursing, policy, radio production, administrative management, sports journalism and more. Our students come straight out of undergrad or even with 25+ years of professional experience. This is part of what makes our cohorts so strong and such a unique learning environment. Students consistently learn from one another and truly become active, interdisciplinary leaders in conservation. We should also mention that our students have FUN together!

Our Team

Environmental Professional Programs staff are the drivers behind the program. Staff ensure students reach their potential and find success in the environmental sector. Staff support their development, help students clarify their strengths and goals, network with 70+ partner organizations, and continually work to better the program to meet the most relevant needs of the conservation sector.