Across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, this interdisciplinary science focuses on maintaining critical ecological habitats and managing natural resources. In this award-winning program, students will examine how ecology intersects with socio-economic realities, environmental law, and Indigenous rights to safeguard global biodiversity and guide sustainable environmental policy. Go beyond the classroom and play an active role in protecting and managing our wildlife, forests, rivers, oceans, and land.
How do forest canopies, river catchments, and salmon watersheds respond to resource extraction, recreation, and climate change? Which legal, financial, and policy frameworks create effective incentives for ecological restoration and biodiversity stewardship? How do we design protected areas that safeguard endangered wildlife while respecting Indigenous rights?
Conservation teaches students how to maintain biodiverse habitats and understand human behaviours. You will learn how to balance the social, economic, cultural, and aesthetic considerations associated with the world’s natural resources so you can help fight climate change, protect the environment, and shape our future and planet.
The Conservation curriculum combines hands-on ecological field work while honing your skills in remote sensing, GIS systems, sampling, research, and ecosystem management. Over four years, you’ll learn to solve real-world issues in ecosystems both local and abroad. You’ll get the opportunity to explore diverse environments through a 15-credit field school, and have the option of writing an original research thesis.
Home of UBC FES, the Forest Sciences Centre (FSC) features over 240,000 square feet of classrooms, study spaces, and faculty research hubs inside a stunning glass-and-timber atrium.
UBC FES manages two forests, Malcolm Knapp Research Forest and Alex Fraser Research Forest, each situated in unique biomes. Together, they total more than 60,000 acres of living laboratory space dedicated to education, research, and experimentation.
The Conservation program features a robust curriculum that bridges field ecology with socio-economic decision-making, preparing you to lead essential conservation projects and shape policy across British Columbia and around the world.
As a Conservation student, you will be immersed in an enriching field-based learning environment, supported by a close-knit community of fellow students and faculty members.
Rather than only taking isolated lab courses, Conservation students will have the option to spend an entire semester immersed in field ecology, conservation biology, and habitat management through a 15-credit field school. You will also have opportunities to gain global experience through international conservation field courses and study abroad.
Conservation offers two specializations for your degree:
Pair your degree with a Minor in Commerce from UBC’s Sauder School of Business. Master foundational topics in financial accounting, marketing, organizational behavior, providing essential skills for leading environmental NGOs or operating environmental consulting firms.
Stand out in a competitive job market with a Certificate in Geomatics for Environmental Management. Develop highly marketable GIS and spatial analysis skills to turn data into actionable insights in environmental consulting, urban planning, conservation, forestry, and natural resources management.
Earn a Master of Management from UBC Sauder and a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources simultaneously in only 4.5 years with the Dual Degree Program.
As a Conservation student in the FES Co-operative Education Program, you can integrate up to 5 paid work terms (20 months) into your degree, earning an average of $64,680. Receive resume, cover letter, interview preparation skills, and personalized career development and support.
Work placements span companies, provincial and federal ministries, and research institutions in industries like clean tech, corporate sustainability, and resource management.
There are many courses you can take in the Conservation program. Here are a few you might like.
Explore the historical, ethical, biological, and socio-economic foundations of natural resource conservation and stewardship.
Explore the theory, tools and practical skills needed to conduct conservation planning at the community level. Covers issues of developing and implementing plans in the context of sustainability goals, political realities and diverse public opinion.
Introduction to spatial thinking and principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing for natural resource management.
Learn about fish biology, population and community ecology necessary to understand conservation and management. Explore current issues, tactics and institutions involved with fisheries conservation and management.
Pursue a career monitoring endangered animals, work in aquatic science, restore habitats, manage nature reserves, or work in environmental consulting. As a Conservation graduate, you’ll use your skills and knowledge to help protect and preserve the planet and manage our natural resources sustainably. You will find work in areas such as:
Job titles for Conservation graduates include:
“My degree in forestry has helped me in developing many skills crucial for this role, including interpreting data and scientific communication. My courses have introduced me to a number of concepts that have amplified my understanding of the lab’s research, such as niche partitioning and human-wildlife conflict. ”
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.
IB Diploma Programme
IB Certificate Courses
Note: Grade 11 Biology, Chemistry and Physics requirements listed above are only relevant to students who are not completing the equivalent IB Diploma Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics courses. For students studying outside of Canada, some examples of courses that may be accepted as Grade 11 equivalents are junior-level courses for American students, and IGCSE and O Level for those following British-patterned curricula.
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in Grade 11 and Grade 12.
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Visit the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship website to learn more about Conservation.
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