Environmental Science Bachelor of Arts: Biological Conservation Track

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Drake University

Program Overview

Drake University’s Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science, Biological Conservation Track, combines natural sciences with social sciences, environmental policy, and conservation studies to help students understand how human activities affect ecosystems and biodiversity. Designed for students passionate about wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and environmental research, the programme develops practical skills through fieldwork, laboratory activities, geographic information systems (GIS), and interdisciplinary study, preparing graduates for environmental careers or further academic study.

Curriculum structure

The programme combines foundational environmental science and biology with specialised conservation courses, research literacy, field and laboratory training, and a senior capstone. Drake's catalogue groups several advanced courses into outcome areas, so students select appropriate courses with their advisers rather than follow one compulsory sequence for each academic year.

Year 1 – Building scientific foundations

Students begin with One Earth: Global Environmental Science (ENSS 035), One Earth Laboratory (ENSS 036), and General/Pre-Professional Biology I with its laboratory (BIO 012/012L). These courses introduce environmental systems, scientific observation, and biological principles, while General Chemistry I and its laboratory establish a foundation for understanding chemical processes that affect living organisms and ecosystems.

Year 2 – Exploring ecosystems and environmental analysis

Students deepen their understanding through General/Pre-Professional Biology II (BIO 013/013L), Ecology and Ecology Lab (BIO 117/BIO 118L), and Principles of Geology (ENSS 041). They also study Geographic Information Systems (ENSS 065) and Environmental Case Analysis (ENSS 037), developing the analytical and spatial-thinking skills needed to investigate environmental problems and interpret conservation data.

Year 3 – Specialising in biological conservation

Students can develop conservation expertise through options such as Conservation Biology (ENSS 125), Endangered Species Conservation (ENSS 127), and Restoration Ecology Practicum (ENSS 101). Courses such as Field Botany and Field Botany Lab (BIO 152/BIO 152L), Ornithology and Ornithology Lab (BIO 130/BIO 130L), and Mammalogy and Mammalogy Lab (BIO 122/BIO 122L) allow students to explore specific organisms and habitats while strengthening field research skills.

Year 4 – Integrating research, policy, and conservation practice

Students bring together their scientific knowledge and practical experience through advanced options such as Environmental Decision-Making (ENSS 154), Dynamic Environmental Modeling (ENSS 168), and Applications of Geographic Information Systems (ENSS 165). They complete the Environmental Science and Sustainability Practicum (ENSS 191), the programme's capstone, applying their interdisciplinary knowledge to environmental and sustainability challenges. Exact course timing depends on prerequisites, course availability, and advising.

Focus areas

Biological conservation, biodiversity management, ecology, endangered species protection, habitat restoration, wildlife biology, environmental fieldwork, laboratory methods, GIS, environmental research, conservation policy, environmental justice, and science-policy integration.

Learning outcomes

Students develop the ability to investigate ecosystems, collect and interpret environmental data, apply field and laboratory methods, use GIS for spatial analysis, evaluate conservation approaches, understand the relationship between environmental science and public policy, and communicate scientific findings. The programme also builds interdisciplinary problem-solving skills that support work on biodiversity and environmental management challenges.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The BA develops scientific, analytical, and communication skills relevant to conservation, environmental education, natural resource management, and environmental policy. The official programme catalogue does not identify a specific professional accreditation for this track; students should confirm any licensing or credential requirements associated with their intended career.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Drake highlights experiential learning, faculty-guided research, internships, and environmental field experiences as key strengths of its Environmental Science programme. Its university-wide career outcomes provide broader information about graduate preparation, but they should not be interpreted as employment rates specifically for the BA Biological Conservation Track.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Drake University gives Environmental Science students opportunities to connect classroom learning with real environmental challenges through field studies, laboratory work, habitat restoration, and faculty-guided research. Students can investigate ecosystems, study wildlife, analyse environmental data, and explore how conservation strategies are developed and implemented. The programme's field-based approach and interdisciplinary coursework help students build practical skills that are valuable for conservation organisations, environmental agencies, and research institutions.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Environmental Learning Center (ELC): Explore prairie, wetland, and woodland habitats through field-based learning and ecological research. Drake's collaboration with Metro Waste Authority provides Environmental Science majors with access to this natural learning environment.
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge: Learn about large-scale prairie restoration and wildlife conservation through environmental projects associated with the refuge, located east of Des Moines. The university highlights restoration work involving native prairie and animals such as bison and elk.
Iowa Lakeside Laboratory: Explore field courses and research opportunities at this biological field station in Milford, Iowa, where students can investigate ecology and environmental systems.
Gulf Coast Research Laboratory: Consider semester-long marine science experiences at the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, subject to programme availability and eligibility.
Field and laboratory training: Develop practical scientific skills through Ecology Lab, General Chemistry I Lab, Principles of Geology Lab, and specialised biological courses such as Ornithology and Ornithology Lab and Field Botany and Field Botany Lab.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Study Geographic Information Systems (ENSS 065) and consider Applications of Geographic Information Systems (ENSS 165) to develop spatial-analysis skills relevant to mapping habitats and investigating environmental patterns.
Restoration and conservation projects: Study conservation strategies through Restoration Ecology Practicum (ENSS 101) and Conservation Biology (ENSS 125), which are among the programme's approved course options.
Undergraduate research: Work with faculty mentors on research projects, explore independent-study opportunities, and present research at the Drake University Conference on Undergraduate Research in Science (DUCURS).
Internships and professional experience: Explore placements in environmental research, conservation, nature education, and community engagement. Drake identifies past internship opportunities with organisations such as the Sierra Club, U.S. Forest Service, and Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.
Environmental student organisations: Participate in the Drake Environmental Action League (DEAL) and the Drake Outdoor Leadership Club to engage with environmental issues and develop leadership and teamwork skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Drake University's Environmental Science BA, Biological Conservation Track, prepares students to explore careers involving wildlife protection, biodiversity, habitat restoration, environmental education, and natural resource management. By combining scientific foundations with field experience, research, GIS, and environmental policy, the programme also provides a pathway toward postgraduate study in conservation biology, ecology, environmental science, and related disciplines.

Potential career paths include:

Conservation Programme Assistant: Support biodiversity projects, habitat restoration initiatives, and conservation programmes.
Wildlife Research Assistant: Help collect field data, monitor animal populations, and support ecological research.
Environmental Education Coordinator: Develop educational activities and communicate environmental issues to communities and schools.
Environmental Policy or Programme Assistant: Support environmental organisations and public agencies with research, policy initiatives, and conservation planning.

Career development, employment, and industry connections

- Career Services: Drake's Career Services team helps students explore career options, prepare résumés and cover letters, practise interviews, build professional networks, and search for internships and jobs. Students can also use Handshake to find relevant employment opportunities.

- Internships and practical experience: Drake reports that 89.3% of undergraduate students from the Class of 2025 completed at least one internship or other practical experience, based on a knowledge rate of 85.5%. This is a university-wide figure and does not represent the specific internship rate for Environmental Science BA students.

- University and industry connections: Students can explore internship and career opportunities with environmental organisations, government agencies, and conservation groups. Drake identifies past student experiences with the Sierra Club, U.S. Forest Service, and Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, while its Environmental Science programme highlights connections with the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Iowa Conservation Corps, and other organisations. These are examples of relevant professional connections and potential opportunities, not guaranteed placements or formal partnerships in every case.

- Employment statistics and salary prospects: Drake publishes university-wide graduate outcomes, but the official programme information reviewed does not provide a verified employment rate or median salary specifically for the Biological Conservation Track. Salary expectations vary by occupation, employer, experience, and location. Students can consult the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for occupation-specific salary and employment projections for conservation scientists, environmental specialists, and related roles.

- Long-term professional value: The BA develops transferable skills in environmental research, field methods, GIS, scientific communication, and conservation policy. These skills can support progression into environmental organisations, government agencies, conservation education, and related fields. No specific professional accreditation is identified for this track in the official catalogue.

- Graduation outcomes: Drake's environmental science programme identifies employment in governmental and nongovernmental organisations, as well as further study in environmental sciences, as possible graduate pathways. Students can strengthen their preparation through research, internships, independent study, and faculty mentoring.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BA, graduates can consider master's degrees in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental Policy, or Natural Resource Management. Students interested in research careers may continue to a research-focused master's degree and subsequently pursue a PhD in ecology, conservation biology, or a related discipline. Admission requirements vary by institution, so students should check prerequisites and research expectations before choosing a postgraduate programme.