College of Science and the Environment
Conservation Biology prepares students for careers where they can make a contribution to mitigating wide-ranging challenges
Our program prepares students for careers where they can make a contribution to mitigating wide-ranging challenges such as invasive species, altered landscapes, species extinctions, or the restoration of degraded aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Our selection of rigorous field based courses in watersheds, soils, forestry, ecology (general, fish, wildlife or plant), and organisms (mammalogy, ornithology, ichthyology, or entomology) offers an unparalleled set of foundational courses in the natural sciences. Combining this coursework with interdisciplinary courses in social dimensions, political science, sociology, business/economics, communication and GIS technology adds the breadth needed to integrate biological, economic, and policy issues in the formulation of sustainable solutions. Electives allow students to tailor the program to their interests and sustainable solutions. Electives allow students to tailor the program to their interests and career goals. Students may choose as a capstone experience a summer semester internship working in a professional capacity in conservation biology, or a senior thesis research project. Students will be prepared for careers or for graduate work in conservation biology or a broad range of related areas.
Hands-on Research

Degrees
Career Choices
- Conservation Biologist/Scientist
- Fish or Wildlife Biologist
- Freshwater or Marine Biologist
- Environmental Scientist
- Field Biologist
- Ecologist
- Restoration Ecologist
- Wildlife Refuge Manager
- Endangered species/Non-game biologist
- Naturalist or Interpreter
- Environmental educator or outreach coordinator
“The Conservation Biology program has provided me the basic skills, background knowledge and the application of natural resources management in various biological fields. Through the internship option of the program I’m able to work at the Grand Travers Regional Land Conservancy protecting the resources that brought me to LSSU in the first place.”
“Science is as an active process that happens beyond any formal classroom. My class sizes are small enough to provide me an opportunity to know my students and assess their learning strengths. I have several small research projects going on now where students can help me get data while gaining a first-hand experience with biological research.”
Executive Director of Marketing and Communications and Web Accessibility Coordinator
Peter Szatmary
906-635-2310
R. W. Considine Hall
Director of Library/Academic Services and Web Accessibility Coordinator
Marc Boucher
906-635-2404
Library 208
Accessibility Statement
Lake Superior State University is committed to making reasonable accommodations related to its facilities, programs, or services for qualifying students, staff, faculty, and campus guests with disabilities as required by applicable laws. If any programming or activity is scheduled in an inaccessible space, requests for relocation shall be made to the Human Resources office at 906-635-2213, if possible, 48 hrs prior to the event. View Accessibility Statement Details