This minor is intended for non-biology majors with an interest in wildlife and habitat conservation issues. The minor may particularly suit Environmental Science, BS, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, BA, and Geology, BS majors, as well as School of Integrative Studies students wishing to increase their understanding and qualifications in the field of conservation biology. The minor may also be of interest to non-science majors, for example, students taking leisure studies classes with an interest in ecotourism.
Policies
Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and not counted toward the student's major. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.
For policies governing all undergraduate programs, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Minor Requirements
Total credits: 19
Students should refer to the Admissions & Policies tab for specific policies related to this program.
Students must complete the following courses with a minimum GPA of 2.00.
Many courses below have prerequisites that need to be met; see advisor for details.
Core Biology Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 308 | Foundations of Ecology and Evolution | 5 |
| BIOL 300 | BioDiversity | 4 |
| Select one from the following: | 3-6 | |
| Conservation Biology | ||
or BIOL 318 | Conservation Biology | |
| Conservation Biology (Mason Core) 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 12-15 | |
- 1
3 of 6 credits count toward the Core Biology requirement. The remaining 3 credits may apply toward minor electives.
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 4-7 credits from the following to meet a total of 19 credits for the minor: 1 | 4-7 | |
| Tackling Wicked Problems in Society the Environment | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Policy | ||
| Applied Ecology | ||
| Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation | ||
| Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation Field Course | ||
| Marine Conservation | ||
| Field Environmental Science 2 | ||
| Special Topics in Environmental Science and Policy 2 | ||
| Conservation Biology (Mason Core) 3 | ||
| Total Credits | 4-7 | |
- 1
Other conservation-oriented classes may also be applicable as electives for this minor if approved by the faculty coordinator for the minor.
- 2
Conservation-oriented topics only.
- 3
3 of 6 credits count toward electives if the course is taken to satisfy Core Biology requirement above.