Professional Science Management - Biodiversity, Conservation and Policy
Program Overview
Advanced Graduate Certificate in Professional Science Management - Biodiversity, Conservation and Policy
Overview
The Professional Science Management Advanced Graduate Certificate in Biodiversity, Conservation and Policy program is designed for individuals who want to combine their passion for biodiversity and conservation with business and leadership skills. This program helps students build the leadership and communication skills required to enhance non-governmental organizations and the public sector with a career in administration or management.
Program of Study
The program is structured to align with students' professional aspirations. Students learn from top-ranked full-time faculty from UAlbany's Rockefeller College and Massry School of Business with managerial coursework tailored for biodiversity and conservation leaders.
Courses
- 18 total minimum credits are required for the Advanced Certificate.
- At least six credits from Business, or at least six credits from Policy/Management, plus additional credits, if necessary, from any group.
Business
- Accounting for Managers
- Presentation Skills
- Organizational Behavior and Managerial Skills
- Human Resources Management
Policy/Management
- Public and Nonprofit Financial Management
- Principles of Public Economics
- Foundations of Public Management
Internship/Portfolio
- Fulfill the internship/portfolio requirement by enrolling in an internship leading to a substantial written report.
Applied Learning
Students have internship opportunities that serve as a basis for planning and conducting empirical research for their thesis. Our students have interned at organizations including:
- The Nature Conservancy
- The Mohawk-Hudson Land Conservancy
- The Land-Trust Alliance
- The Sierra Club
- The American Farmland Trust
- The Coastal Resources Division of the NY Department of State
- The Hudson River Estuary Program of the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation
Career Paths
With a professional science management certificate from UAlbany, students will be qualified for positions such as:
- Policy Analyst
- Research Director
- Laboratory Supervisor
- Environmental Fundraiser
- Energy Manager
Admissions Requirements
- Deadlines: Application deadline dates are dependent on the area of study. Please contact the department for specific deadlines.
- Available information for International Applicants.
- Special Notes: Current UAlbany Biodiversity, Conservation and Policy students may apply to the AGC track after completing a minimum of 12 credits toward the M.S. degree and passing the Program's Core Exam. UAlbany Biodiversity, Conservation and Policy M.S. graduates may apply to the AGC within five years of graduation.
- AGC applicants to the Forensic Biology track must have academic backgrounds as Forensic Biology students or graduates from the University at Albany and possibly other Forensic Biology programs from other colleges.
- Current master's students seeking entry into the AGC shall have passed the written comprehensive exam with a 3.0 or better, or present comparable credentials from other programs/institutions.
- This program is not eligible for federal financial aid.
- Please note: This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean's Office of the intended academic program.
Program Outline
Professional Science Management - Biodiversity, Conservation and Policy | University at Albany
Degree Overview:
This Advanced Graduate Certificate program is designed for individuals passionate about biodiversity and conservation, who want to combine their interests with business and leadership skills. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and lead non-governmental organizations and public sector agencies in the field of biodiversity conservation.
Outline:
The program consists of a minimum of 18 credits, distributed across three groups:
- Business: This group focuses on developing essential business skills for managers and administrators, covering topics such as accounting, presentation skills, organizational behavior, and human resources management.
- Policy/Management: This group delves into the complexities of public and non-profit financial management, principles of public economics, and foundations of public management.
- Internship/Portfolio: Students complete an internship and produce a substantial written report, applying the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program.
Assessment:
The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Coursework: Assignments, projects, and exams within individual courses assess students' understanding of specific concepts and their ability to apply them.
- Internship/Portfolio: The internship experience and the accompanying report are evaluated based on the student's ability to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting.
- Comprehensive Exam: Students must pass a comprehensive exam to demonstrate their mastery of the program's core competencies.
Teaching:
The program features a distinguished faculty composed of top-ranked professors from UAlbany's Rockefeller College and Massry School of Business. The teaching methods employed include:
- Interactive lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage active participation and discussion.
- Case studies: Analyzing real-world scenarios to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Group projects: Collaborative projects that foster teamwork and communication skills.
- Guest speakers: Industry professionals sharing their expertise and insights.
Careers:
Graduates of the program are well-positioned for various careers in the field of biodiversity conservation, including:
- Policy Analyst
- Research Director
- Laboratory Supervisor
- Environmental Fundraiser
- Energy Manager
Other:
- The program offers excellent internship opportunities with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, the Mohawk-Hudson Land Conservancy, and the Hudson River Estuary Program.
- Students with prior felony convictions may face challenges fulfilling program requirements and meeting licensure requirements for certain professions.
- The program is designed to be completed within one year of full-time study.
Note:
The program description also mentions that current UAlbany Biodiversity, Conservation and Policy students and graduates may apply to the Advanced Graduate Certificate track under specific conditions.
