About this Program

The interdisciplinary minor in Conservation Leadership focuses on conservation and sustainability issues in the context of a modern society embedded and depending on a changing planet. Offered by ODU in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the minor facilitates the development of the next generation of professionals who can address conservation and sustainability issues and challenges posed by a changing climate and sea level rise.

Program Highlights

  • One of the three core courses is a mentored internship, preferably at a facility of a federal or state agency

  • One course (3 credit hours) is designated as a service-learning course in which the student will be engaged in a project at a USFWS (or related) facility

  • All mandatory courses are built on learning by experience in research of real-world wicked problems

  • Open to students from all programs, as we aim for a highly diverse set of academic disciplines within the student population

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Degree Earned
Minor
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Sustainability Specialists

$75,740 Median Salary

Address organizational sustainability issues, such as waste stream management, green building practices, and green procurement plans.

Conservation Scientists

$64,850 Median Salary

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

Chief Sustainability Officers

$196,050 Median Salary

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

Environmental Economists

$112,650 Median Salary

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Conservation Leadership at ODU?
Students entering the Minor program in Conservation Leadership should meet the minimum university admission requirements Undergraduate Admission.

Transfer

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2023-24 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Active Duty Military Rate
Cost Per-Credit $250
Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $393
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $407
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,073

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Contact

Professor

INNOVATION RESEARCH BLDG, RM 3211 4111 MONARCH WAY
NORFOLK, 23529