A UAlbany graduate student working with a drone to document the tree canopies at the Huyck Preserve.

Master of Science 

Biodiversity, Conservation, and Policy

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Protect Ecosystems with Environmental Policy 

If you care deeply about the natural world, you can make a positive contribution to habitat protection efforts by pursuing a career in environmental policy and research.

The multidisciplinary MS in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Policy program at the University at Albany explores the intersections of policy, politics, planning, and conservation biology. Through integrated coursework, you’ll deepen your understanding of the conservation decision-making process as both a scientist and policy analyst. 

Many students in this program complete internships with state agencies to gain experience working on ecosystem and biodiversity preservation projects that inform their master’s thesis research.

Program of Study

programofstudy

Master's Research Requirement

Your research requirement can be met through independent study, contributions to faculty research, internship projects, or any combination of work in these categories.

Common research projects include field and lab studies of organisms of interest in conservation, data analysis for environmental conservation organizations, and assessment of New York State conservation policy and activities.

Sample internship placements:

  • Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission 
  • New York State Coastal Management Program 
  • New York State Museum
  • New York State Natural Heritage Program 
  • NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation 
  • NYS Department of Environmental Conservation 
  • The Nature Conservancy 
  • UAlbany Office of Sustainability
  • U.S. Geological Service 
  • Other land conservancies and regional conservation organizations


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Dr. Andrei Lapenas at 518-442-4191 or [email protected].

Required Courses

  • Biodiversity and Conservation Biology: Theoretical Issues
  • Biodiversity and Conservation Biology: Policy Issues
  • Responsible Conduct and Skill in Research
  • Responsible Conduct and Skills in Scientific Communication
  • Topics in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Planning


Policy and Planning Skills Courses

One of the following policy courses:

  • Politics and Policy
  • Field Seminar in Public Policy
  • Environmental Politics and Policy

One of the following tool-based courses:

  • Introduction to Remote Sensing of the Environment (Graduate)
  • Introduction to Geographic Information Systems


Three Support Courses

One elective and two additional courses in areas of interest. Graduate-level statistics is recommended.

 

Master's Thesis in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Policy

 

MS Biodiversity, Conservation, and Policy Thesis
Recent MS Thesis defended by Biodiversity, Conservation, and Policy students.

Full texts can be found in the UAlbany library.
 

  1. Long SL. Analysis of the introduction of green laboratory certification program at the University at Albany, State University of New York to increase sustainability in laboratories. [Order No. 30420732]. University at Albany, State University of New York; 2023.
     
  2. Cooper I. Evaluation of aquatic plant survey methods for efficacy in invasive species detection. [Order No. 29995405]. University at Albany, State University of New York; 2022.
     
  3. Eapen AP. Human-wildlife coexistence with coyotes in Los Angeles County, CA and Cook County IL. [Order No. 29319646]. University at Albany, State University of New York; 2022.
     
  4. Hrysko ML. Municipal solutions to climate change; A case study of stream daylighting in Suffolk County, New York. [Order No. 29260754]. University at Albany, State University of New York; 2022.
     
  5. Sherman CD. Biochar: Practices, perspectives, and prospects in New York State agriculture. [Order No. 29161672]. University at Albany, State University of New York; 2022.
     
  6. Varghese LJ. Preliminary results of measurements of potentially cancerogenic 1,4-dioxane in surface water of Twin Lakes Preserve, Wantagh, NY. [Order No. 28869183]. University at Albany, State University of New York; 2021.
     
  7. Weber DJ. Detection range of 0RW1S34RfeSDcfkexd09rT2hydrilla verticillata1RW1S34RfeSDcfkexd09rT2 (L.f.) royle environmental DNA in a lotic system. [Order No. 28493784]. University at Albany, State University of New York; 2021.
     
  8. Plummer C. Monitoring white-tailed deer abundance and habitat selection in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve using unmanned aerial systems. [Order No. 27544763].University at Albany, State University of New York; 2021.
     
  9. Greagan M. The case of environmental education of children. [Order No. 28314261]. University at Albany, State University of New York; 2021.
     
  10. Couttee MV. Assessment of the status and alignment of practitioners’ leadership in the environmental sector. [Order No. 27964002]. University at Albany, State University of New York; 2020.
     
  11. Lee EK. Current and future environmental and human health impacts associated with Biofuel/Biofuel feedstock production. [Order No. 27670271]. University at Albany, State University of New York; 2019.
     
  12. Northrup AK. Legislation to reduce microplastic pollution: Understanding the factors that facilitated passage of the federal microbead-free waters act of 2015. [Order No. 22618273]. University at Albany, State University of New York; 2019.
     
  13. Allen EE. Butterflies as charismatic indicators: Can study of impact of on-farm habitat enrichment on butterfly populations provide insight about habitat quality for other insects? [Order No. 13904959]. University at Albany, State University of New York; 2019.
     
  14. Caboot E. Invasive species curriculum to enhance STEM learning in New York State K-12 classrooms. [Order No. 13814664]. University at Albany, State University of New York; 2019.
     
  15. Dagley B. Pollinator diversity and habitat potential of green roofs and urban green spaces in New York State. [Order No. 13428614]. University at Albany, State University of New York; 2019.
Career Paths

Earning this degree prepares you to work in a variety of roles related to biological sciences, land use planning, invasive species management, wildlife and habitat preservation, environmental assessment, and natural resource protection policy development, analysis, and administration.


Sample job titles for an MS Biodiversity, Conservation, and Policy degree:

  • Climate Change Researcher
  • Conservation Specialist
  • Environmental Policy Analyst
  • Erosion Control Manager
  • Habitat Management Coordinator
  • Land Restoration Specialist
  • Natural Resource Manager
  • Soil and Water Conservationist
  • Wildlife Protection Policy Enforcer

 

Biodiversity and Conservation Employers

UAlbany biodiversity, conservation, and policy alumni go on to work in conservation science, land and water management, wildlife protection, and policy analysis for a wide range of employers such as:

  • State conservation and resource management agencies
  • Branches of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • United Nations environmental programs
  • Environmental policy research groups
  • Nonprofit wildlife preservation organizations

Some master's graduates also go on to complete doctoral programs in related fields.

opportunities

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Admissions Requirements
Deadlines

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

  • Fall: January 15
  • Spring: November 1
  • Summer: Not Available


No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

  • Fall: Rolling
  • Spring: November 1
  • Summer: Not Available
Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official GRE score
  • Statement of goals
admissions
Student Learning Objectives

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Science
  • Demonstrate an integrated understanding of conservation, environmental science and policy.
  • Develop a thesis (knowledge-based). Formulate a testable hypothesis based on research of the literature and existing data.
  • Demonstrate skills in advanced research tools using one or more of the following: GIS in research, collection and/or analysis of remotely sensed data for research, and/or advanced statistical techniques.
  • Demonstrate computational and analytical skills. Learn the application of  basic and advanced statistical techniques for testing hypotheses.
  • Ability to conduct research and to contribute to the goals of a research group or team.
  • Demonstrate skills in information technology. Learn to use scientific, public policy and legal database search tools and demonstrate capability to search bibliographic databases.
  • Understand and coordinate research in conformity with biological, social science and resource management analytical techniques and applications.
  • Understand scientific ethics as practiced in western societies, including the topics of human subjects, animal use in research, and plagiarism.
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