Environmental Science Bachelor of Science: Biological Conservation Track

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Drake University

Program Overview

Drake University’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, Biological Conservation Track, prepares students to investigate ecological systems, understand biodiversity, and develop science-based approaches to conserving species and habitats. Designed for students interested in wildlife, ecology, conservation research, and environmental protection, the program combines biological and environmental sciences with laboratory work, field studies, quantitative analysis, and research experience to prepare students for scientific careers or postgraduate study.

Curriculum structure

The curriculum combines foundational science courses with specialised conservation study, field and laboratory skills, research literacy, and a senior capstone. Students select courses within the programme's requirements, so the following year-by-year outline illustrates a typical progression rather than a fixed sequence for every student.

Year 1 – Building scientific foundations

Students begin with core environmental science and biology courses, including One Earth: Global Environmental Science, One Earth Laboratory, and General/Pre-Professional Biology I. They also develop foundational scientific skills through General Chemistry I and its laboratory, preparing them to understand ecological processes and investigate environmental questions using scientific methods.

Year 2 – Understanding ecosystems and analytical methods

Students expand their knowledge through courses such as General/Pre-Professional Biology II, Ecology, and Ecology Lab. They also study Principles of Geology and Geographic Information Systems, developing skills in environmental interpretation, data analysis, and spatial mapping that can support biodiversity monitoring and conservation planning.

Year 3 – Specialising in biological conservation

Students can focus on conservation practice and research through options such as Conservation Biology, Endangered Species Conservation, Restoration Ecology Practicum, and Field Botany. Depending on their chosen electives, they can also develop expertise in particular groups of organisms through courses such as Ornithology, Mammalogy, and Herpetology, strengthening their ability to investigate species and habitats in practical settings.

Year 4 – Applying research and integrating knowledge

Students consolidate their scientific and conservation expertise through advanced electives, research-focused coursework, and the Environmental Science and Sustainability Practicum capstone. Options such as Dynamic Environmental Modeling, Environmental Decision-Making, and Applications of Geographic Information Systems can help students connect ecological evidence with conservation strategies and environmental management. The precise final-year combination depends on course availability, prerequisites, and the student's selected pathway.

Note: These year-by-year descriptions illustrate a typical progression, not a confirmed four-year course sequence. Consult Drake's current academic catalogue and an adviser for the exact course requirements and order.

Focus areas

Biological conservation, biodiversity management, ecology, endangered species protection, habitat restoration, field and laboratory methods, environmental research, geographic information systems (GIS), wildlife biology, population and community ecology, and conservation policy.

Learning outcomes

Students develop the ability to investigate ecological systems, identify and interpret environmental patterns, collect and analyse scientific data, apply laboratory and field methods, use GIS for environmental analysis, evaluate conservation strategies, and communicate research findings. The programme also builds interdisciplinary understanding of how environmental science interacts with policy, ethics, and human communities.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The degree develops scientific and technical skills relevant to conservation research, natural resource management, environmental consulting, and related fields. The official programme information reviewed does not identify a specific professional accreditation for this track; students seeking careers that require particular licences or credentials should confirm the relevant requirements with Drake University and prospective employers.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Drake University promotes hands-on learning, undergraduate research, internships, and faculty mentorship as important parts of its environmental science education. Its university-wide graduate-outcomes reporting provides broader context on career preparation, but these institutional results should not be interpreted as employment statistics specifically for graduates of the Biological Conservation Track.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Drake University’s Environmental Science programme gives students opportunities to learn directly from ecosystems, conduct research, and participate in conservation projects beyond the classroom. Through field stations, habitat restoration projects, laboratory activities, and faculty-guided research, students can develop practical skills in species identification, ecological monitoring, environmental data collection, and conservation planning. The university also provides opportunities to explore internships and field experiences connected with environmental organisations and research institutions.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Environmental Learning Center (ELC): Access approximately 1,000 acres of prairie, wetland, and woodland habitats for ecological research, habitat restoration, teaching, and laboratory activities. The site supports long-term environmental monitoring and field-based learning.
Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt: Explore a natural area that offers opportunities to study ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation practices through Drake's environmental science activities.
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge: Participate in learning connected with prairie restoration and biodiversity conservation, including the study of grassland ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
Iowa Lakeside Laboratory: Explore specialised field-based courses and research opportunities in ecology and environmental science at a biological field station in Milford, Iowa.
Gulf Coast Research Laboratory: Consider semester-long marine science experiences through the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, subject to programme availability and eligibility.
Field and laboratory methods: Build scientific skills through biology, geology, ecology, and environmental laboratory courses, including Ecology Lab, General Chemistry I Lab, and Principles of Geology Lab.
GIS and environmental mapping: Study Geographic Information Systems and, through appropriate electives, Applications of Geographic Information Systems to develop spatial-analysis skills relevant to habitat mapping and conservation planning.
Research and capstone projects: Work with faculty on research and applied projects, with opportunities to design an independent study and present research at the Drake University Conference on Undergraduate Research in Science (DUCURS).
Internships: Explore professional placements in environmental research, conservation, education, and community engagement. Past opportunities have included organisations such as the Sierra Club, U.S. Forest Service, and Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.
International field experiences: Explore field-based learning and study opportunities in locations such as Rwanda, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Madagascar, depending on available programmes and individual eligibility.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Drake University's Environmental Science BS, Biological Conservation Track, prepares students for careers focused on biodiversity, wildlife, habitat restoration, ecological research, and natural resource management. Its combination of scientific coursework, field experience, quantitative methods, and research training can also provide a strong foundation for students planning to pursue postgraduate study in environmental science, ecology, conservation biology, or related disciplines.

Potential career paths include:

Conservation Scientist: Support conservation initiatives, assess ecological conditions, and contribute to the protection of natural resources.
Wildlife Biologist: Study animal populations, behaviour, habitats, and the environmental factors affecting wildlife.
Environmental Consultant: Conduct environmental assessments, interpret scientific data, and help organisations address ecological concerns.
Ecological Research Assistant: Assist with field surveys, biodiversity monitoring, laboratory analysis, and conservation research projects.

Career development, employment, and industry connections

- Career Services: Drake's Career Services team helps students explore career pathways, prepare résumés and cover letters, practise interviews, build professional networks, and search for internships and jobs. Students and alumni can also access employment opportunities through Handshake.

- 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, not a statistic specifically for Environmental Science or the Biological Conservation Track.

- Industry and conservation connections: Students can explore professional experiences connected with organisations such as the U.S. Forest Service, Sierra Club, and Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. Drake also highlights conservation projects involving the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, the Skunk River System, and other environmental initiatives across Iowa. These examples demonstrate the types of professional and community-based experiences available, rather than guaranteeing a placement with any particular organisation.

- Employment statistics and salary prospects: Drake publishes university-wide graduate outcomes, but a verified employment rate or median salary specifically for graduates of this track was not identified in the official programme information reviewed. Salaries vary according to occupation, location, experience, and qualifications. Prospective students can consult the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for current salary and employment projections for conservation scientists, wildlife biologists, and related professions.

- Long-term professional value: The BS offers research-oriented scientific training, including laboratory and field methods, ecological analysis, and GIS. These skills can support career progression into conservation research, environmental assessment, wildlife management, and other science-focused roles. The official programme information reviewed does not identify a specific professional accreditation for this track.

- Graduate outcomes: Students can combine faculty mentorship, research experience, internships, and career guidance to prepare for employment or advanced study. Drake's environmental science programme specifically identifies graduate study in environmental sciences and work in governmental and nongovernmental organisations as possible pathways.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Bachelor of Science, graduates can consider master's programmes in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resource Management, or Biodiversity Conservation. Students interested in research careers may also pursue a research-focused master's degree and, later, a PhD in ecology, conservation biology, or a related scientific discipline. Admission requirements vary by institution, so students should review prerequisites, research experience expectations, and any additional qualifications required for their chosen postgraduate programme.