What you will study
Through UCM’s Animal Identification certificate, you’ll learn and develop sampling,
monitoring and assessment procedures that help you to easily identify species. Explore
and expand your knowledge of various species through coursework in:
- Animal Biology
- Entomology
- Herpetology
- Ichthyology
- Ornithology
- Mammalogy
You’ll gain a broad-based education that will help you to succeed in careers as diverse
as the species around us.
Excellence in Animal Identification
- A Best Value College for Biological & Biomedical Sciences (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in animal identification
From educators to park rangers, many careers in Missouri and beyond can benefit from
learning about various animal species. That’s why our Animal Identification certificate
is designed to ensure you can tailor it to your professional goals and passions.
Your field work and lab experiences in UCM’s Animal Identification courses will help
you put your learning into action. You’ll also be able to take your learning beyond
your studies through:
- Student organizations: With more than 185 clubs and organizations to choose from, you’ll have plenty of opportunities
to get involved beyond your coursework and labs. Our Animal Identification students
frequently take part in UCM’s chapter of the American Fisheries Society and the Wildlife
Society, where you’ll connect and collaborate with your fellow classmates and learn
more about species in our area.
- Internships: Gain added experience beyond your Animal Identification certificate by pursuing an
internship. UCM faculty have long-standing relationships with the Missouri Department
of Conservation, the Department of Natural Resources, and corporations and nonprofits,
among others. Internships and research projects with these potential employers can
help you build essential professional relationships.
What can you do with an Animal Identification certificate from UCM?
UCM’s Animal Identification certificate program prepares you for careers with the
U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Missouri Department
of Conservation. Our graduates also work with environmental monitoring companies,
teach biology and wildlife in schools and own land management and consulting businesses.
Gain added expertise to set you up for success
Adding an Animal Identification certificate to your resume prepares you to pursue
careers in a number of fields. Use our interactive tool below to explore career options,
salary expectations and more.
Financial assistance options for Animal Identification students
You’ll find many ways to finance your college education at the University of Central Missouri. If you pair your undergraduate certificate
with a bachelor’s degree, you may qualify for general university scholarships, program-specific
awards and other funding opportunities.
Learn more about program-specific scholarships by using the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Hands-on in Top-Notch Facilities
UCM labs built for your success
Apply what you’ve learned in the classroom by getting your hands dirty with our various
collections of species, including native collections of birds, insects, mammals, fish
and reptiles. You’ll also have ample opportunities to get under the microscope and
examine insects and other regional species.
Learn From Species-Specific Experts
UCM faculty bring broad expertise to the classroom
Our Animal Identification program faculty have diverse experience with amphibians
and fish, birds and insects and all the mammals that call Missouri home. They’ll bring
their expertise to your learning and will be there to guide and mentor you throughout
your certificate coursework.
Meet the Faculty
Your Success Starts in Small Classes
Our certificate courses average 17 students
Whether it’s in the classroom or in the lab, you’ll benefit from small classes within
our Animal Identification certificate. Gain additional hands-on opportunities and
more easily connect and work with your classmates and expert faculty members.
Learn From Cutting-Edge Faculty Research
Dr. Daniel Wolcott is heavily engaged in using drones to study mammals in the wild,
and other faculty are developing methods to use these same drones in their wildlife
research programs.
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