CERC Certificate in Conservation Biology: Courses

Courses are taught by faculty and staff from the five institutions that make up the CERC consortium: Columbia University, the American Museum of Natural History, the New York Botanical Garden, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and Wildlife Trust. 

Courses are divided into categories:
Fundamentals of Conservation Biology	5 modules required
Case Studies in Conservation Biology	3 modules required
Issues in Environmental Policy and Management	3 modules required
Tools in Conservation Biology	1 module required
Total number of modules	12

The fundamentals courses will comprise nearly half of a student's curriculum (50 hours), as these provide the baseline knowledge and many of the prerequisites for the advanced electives. Students with previous education in conservation or ecology may be exempted from some of the fundamentals courses, upon review of past transcripts and approval from the CERC administration.

Download PDF: Our Current Course Offerings

Download PDF: Current Course Calendar

Download PDF: Our Summer Course Offerings

Download PDF: Summer Course Calendar

Click here for a more complete look at the overview and requirements for the Certificate in Conservation Biology.

 

Projects in Conservation Biology ENVB 0400

CERC has long supported students in pursuing independent projects that allow an opportunity for in-depth, hands-on involvement with a conservation issue of importance to them. Previously a requirement for graduation, the independent project is now an elective part of the program. Students who wish to conduct an independent project can have it count towards fulfillment of a Case Study, Policy, or Tools elective depending on the topic by enrolling in ENVB 0400. This course will be treated as Directed Readings-style enrollment: there will be no scheduled class meetings but students will undertake study under the guidance of an advisor. Regular tuition charges apply.

 

Specialization in Economics, Management and Finance of Environmental Conservation (EMF)

Qualified students in the program may pursue a curricular track that focuses on the application of economic theory and financial tools to conservation problems.  Qualifications for the EMF track are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Click here for more information on the EMF Specialization.