What you will study
UCM is one of only a handful of universities that offers a full range of specialty
courses in the major areas of biology. While earning your Conservation Enforcement
degree, you can choose electives such as Ichthyology, Plant or Animal Ecology, Ornithology,
Herpetology, Entomology and Limnology.
Labs are conducted outdoors in natural habitats at our Pertle Springs Nature Preserve and in our animal and aquatic research center. You’ll also participate in hands-on,
faculty-led research projects and fieldwork studies.
A focus on policing responsibilities
After laying the foundation of a fish and wildlife degree, our undergraduate program
focuses on the legal duties of conservation enforcement jobs taught by UCM’s well-respected
Criminal Justice program faculty. Study criminal laws and procedures, as well as the
rules of evidence, as they relate to the prosecution and defense of criminal cases
— all within the context of current political issues and social values.
Through this interdisciplinary degree program, you’ll develop thorough knowledge in
biology; gain experience with technical writing, public relations and public speaking;
and study relevant legislation, investigative methods and court procedures. Classes
you may take include:
- Wildlife Management
- Wildlife Diseases
- Wildlife Policy and Law
- Criminal Law and Procedure
Excellence in Biology
- The Wildlife Conservation Enforcement degree from the UCM is one of only two biology
conservation enforcement BS programs available in the state.
- Best Value College: Biological & Biomedical Sciences according (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in conservation enforcement
UCM’s coursework in wildlife biology, hands-on activities and professional networking
opportunities will help you compete for conservation enforcement jobs:
- Career-building internships: Internships for UCM students earning a Wildlife Conservation Enforcement degree provide
valuable work experience and lay the foundation for potential state and federal agency
job offers. Our Conservation Enforcement majors have interned with a variety of state
agencies such as the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Department
of Natural Resources.
- Research labs and fieldwork: Apply your biology studies to natural habitats at our 300-acre, on-campus nature preserve
and our 3,000-sq-ft animal and aquatic research center. In lab-based outdoor classrooms
and co-curricular research projects, you’ll get real-world experience using scientific
analysis tools such as our high-tech drone and GPS mapping to protect wildlife and
their habitats.
- Student and professional activities: UCM’s campus chapters of The Wildlife Society and the American Fisheries Society offer
Conservation Enforcement majors many opportunities to interact with federal and state
agency officials. Learn about their missions to sustain wildlife populations and make
valuable connections for future conservation enforcement jobs.
- Facilities and Resources: At UCM undergraduate and graduate students alike get hands-on access to our most
innovative resources. Train on our bioreactor, PCR systems, fully equipped histology
set and other lab equipment typically reserved for grad research at larger universities.
We are also one of the few non-veterinary schools in the nation to have a necropsy
lab for animal study and research. Students at all levels also have access to our
sizable collections of biological specimens, including our rare entomology and historic
ichthyology collections. Plus, you'll have access to a campus arboretum, aquatic transport
tank and more.
What can you do with a Conservation Enforcement degree from UCM?
UCM’s Biology bachelor’s degree in Conservation Enforcement will fully prepare you
for jobs with private, public and government agencies. Our graduates work at the Missouri
Department of Conservation, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies seeking graduates with fish and wildlife
degrees.
Wildlife Conservation Enforcement degrees lead to a variety of career paths
The knowledge, skills and hands-on experience you gain from UCM’s Conservation Enforcement
degree program can lead to:
- Training federal, state, tribal and foreign law enforcement officers to uphold state
and federal wildlife protection laws
- Conducting research and using forensic science to analyze evidence and help solve
environmental and wildlife crimes
- Protecting wildlife, migratory birds and fish from poaching, illegal trafficking and
environmental hazards
- Continuing your studies to earn a master’s or doctoral degree
Use the interactive tool below to explore potential conservation enforcement career
options and salaries with a Wildlife Conservation Enforcement degree from the University
of Central Missouri.
Financial assistance options for your Conservation Enforcement degree
As an undergraduate student at the University of Central Missouri, you may be eligible
for general university scholarships, awards and other resources that can help you
finance your college education.
Numerous scholarships are also available specifically for Biology majors, including
undergraduate students earning Wildlife Conservation Enforcement degrees:
- Carlos Kays Biology and Earth Science Scholarship
- Dr. Sam P. Hewitt Memorial Scholarship
- Julie A. Harpster Memorial Scholarship
- Dr. John Beishe Biology Scholarship
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships with the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Pertle Springs Nature Preserve
Prepare for conservation enforcement jobs
Put your Wildlife Biology Conservation Enforcement studies into practice at our 300-acre
on-campus outdoor classroom. Rare among fish and wildlife degree programs, the Nature
Preserve is an ideal setting for identifying, monitoring and managing animals in lakes,
marshes and woodlands. You’ll use high-tech drones, research boats and GPS during
research and fieldwork.
Meet Don C.
BS Biology - Conservation Enforcement ’11 - Corporal, Missouri Dept. of Conservation
“UCM’s Conservation Enforcement program studies — wildlife biology, criminal justice,
public relations, public speaking and more — gave me an edge in becoming an MDC Conservation
Agent. UCM has more alumni currently employed as conservation agents than any other
college or university. That is a fact UCM should be very proud of!”
Meet Our Faculty
Study with experts
In our interdisciplinary program, you’ll learn from professors with a broad range
of expertise, from wildlife biology to criminal justice laws and regulations. While
earning your UCM Wildlife Conservation Enforcement degree, you’ll have instructors
and mentors who support your interests and career goals. They may also help you find
research and job opportunities in the conservation enforcement field.
Meet Travis G.
BS Biology - Conservation Enforcement ’05 - Conservation Agent, Missouri Department
of Conservation (MDC)
“I met the local MDC agent at a Wildlife Society meeting and volunteered to get first-hand
career experience and work with agents. In 2018, after two promotions, I moved back
to Warrensburg as a Lieutenant for MDC. I enjoy working with UCM students to help
make them the best candidate for their career as an agent.”
Meet Don C.
BS Biology - Conservation Enforcement ’11 - Conservation Agent / K-9 Handler, Missouri
Department of Conservation (MDC)
“My studies — including wildlife biology, criminal justice, public relations and public
speaking — at UCM helped me gain employment in my field as a Conservation Agent. I
know having the Conservation Enforcement background from UCM gave me an edge: I was
hired by the MDC and accepted into their 2012 Conservation Agent Training Class.”
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