About this Program

This interdisciplinary certificate in Conservation Leadership was developed, and is implement by Old Dominion University, in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as a part of a long-term, sustainable program of conservation-related service-learning, internships, and leadership programs. The certificate will facilitate the development of the next generation of professionals who can address the challenges for conservation posed by a changing climate and sea level rise.

Program Highlights

  • One of the core courses is a mentored internship, preferably at a USFWS or related facility

  • 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 four mandatory courses are built on learning by experience in research of real-world 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
Graduate
Degree Earned
Certificate
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.

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.

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.

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Conservation Leadership at ODU?
Students entering the Certificate program in Conservation Leadership should meet the minimum university admission requirements Graduate Admission.
  • All degree-seeking applicants admitted to the certificate program must meet ODU requirements for graduate admission: an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution. Those whose native language is not English must submit a minimum score of 230 on the computer-based TOEFL or 80 on the TOEFL iBT.

  • Non-degree seeking students are required to have these same credentials, though documentation is not required. Ultimately, students must apply to the program in order to obtain the certificate.

  • The certificate requires four core courses (3 credit hours each) and one elective (3 credit hours).

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.

Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $599
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $623
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,439

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

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available to graduate students at Old Dominion University. Financial aid may be available in the form of University fellowships, tuition grants, and research assistantships. In addition to the financial aid offered by the University, graduate students may be eligible for aid and student loans administered by other agencies. For information about part-time employment, scholarships, and student loans, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Contact

Professor

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