University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Conservation and Environmental Sciences, BA

At UWM, students with a passion for nature and the environment can obtain a solid education in the natural sciences that are central to environmental science - biology, geosciences, and chemistry - and the social sciences of geography, economics, and politics which guide the application of conservation and environmental science in the real world.

Students at UWM can focus their conservation and environmental science work around land resources, water resources, biological resources/biodiversity, or environmental analysis. Internships and field work complement classroom learning. These opportunities can be found locally at UWM's own Field Station, on Lake Michigan aboard UWM's R/V Neeskay vessel, and at local agencies, or abroad in places as far flung as Iceland, Africa, Romania and the Caribbean.

An active Conservation Club is another student advantage at UWM. Activities range from on-campus sustainability projects to professional networking and more.

UWM’s CES major builds on students’ passion to solve environmental issues through either a BS or a BA degree. The BS requires more courses in math, biology, chemistry, and science and is suitable for careers in field or laboratory work, while the BA has fewer electives in science for a career in public programming, education, or administration.

Because of the breadth and flexibility of this major, students should consult with the Director and/or Coordinator to plan a course of study, preferably before the start of their sophomore year. It is particularly important to begin the introductory course sequences early, since they are prerequisites for advanced courses.

It is recommended that students obtain at least one semester of practical work or internship experience, either as an employee or as a volunteer, with state or federal resource management agencies, consulting firms, conservation or environmental organizations, or with nature centers or local parks.