Wildlife/Forestry Conservation

Career Diploma 4 months

Wildlife and Forestry Conservation Program

Pursue your passion for nature and wildlife with a career diploma in Wildlife and Forestry Conservation. Self-paced, online courses can help you gain insight into multiple areas of conservation management to help you prepare for an important and rewarding career working with nature.

Helps you to prepare for entry-level positions with environmental agencies, wildlife preserves, and power companies.
Requires only basic knowledge of the outdoors, offering a comprehensive curriculum that can help further develop your interest for real-world application.
Includes National Audubon Society and National Parks Field Guides to help you research and better understand a variety of animal species and ecosystems.
Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.

Accredited

Online

Self Paced

Cost of Program

$729

$839 Save $110

$59/month, Start for as low as $20

Enroll Now Request Info

1-800-471-3232 (10AM - 6:30PM ET)

wildlife and forestry professional standing outside.

What You Will Learn

How to effectively manage varieties of wildlife including game birds, waterfowl, small and large mammals, as well as predators and game fish.
How to identify park organizations, the purpose they serve, and the differences between the federal, state, and local park systems.
How to inventory forests for resource management, analyze and deter forestry threats, assess the local ecology, and examine and measure forest health.
The functions of environmental law enforcement including state and federal wildlife laws as well as the rights of private citizens.

Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Career Outcomes

Forest and Conservation Workers

AVG SALARY*

$32,270/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

11,300

Our online Wildlife and Forestry Conservation Career Diploma can help you apply your knowledge in real-world work environments, such as private conservation organizations, government agencies, and wildlife preserves.

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in certain fields are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered by your Penn Foster Program. You should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where you plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in your Program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

Penn Foster Career School is not approved or regulated as a school by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

Why should you consider a career in forestry and wildlife?

Wildlife and Forestry Conservation Curriculum

7 courses
20 exams
36.7 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Estimated completion time:

Fast track = 4 months
Average time = 10 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

Our comprehensive online curriculum is designed to help students familiarize themselves with the natural world. You'll engage in lessons crafted to help you identify wildlife behaviors, evaluate forested areas, and maintain and preserve the natural environment for future generations. Highlights of the program include:

Wildlife Management
Forest Management
Forest Protection
Aquaculture
International Conservation Issues
Wildlife Law Enforcement

Show Full Curriculum

Wildlife and Forestry Student Stories

A career diploma in wildlife and forestry conservation can lead to a rewarding, fulfilling career preserving the natural world. Check out what other students had to say about their experience.

View Student Success Stories

Carissa P.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“I absolutely love the way Penn Foster runs as an online school. The instructors are helpful and caring, and the flexible schedule is great.”

Looking for training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.

Learn More

Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Tuition

Take the first steps toward a new career with our Wildlife and Forestry Conservation online program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today!

Option 1: Pay in full

Cost of Program¹

$729

$839 Save $110

Best price. Best value.
Pay the full cost today
No monthly payments

Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

Cost of Program¹

$839

Pay $59 per month
Start for $20 down
All major credit and debit cards accepted

Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

cost of program¹

$839

Pay $59 per month
Start for $39 down
Mail your payments

Enroll Now

Need more info or ready to enroll?

Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits, or our refund policy? Find this information and more about tuition and enrollment here.

Tuition & Payment Options

We're here to help. Call 1-800-471-3232 (10AM - 6:30PM ET)

Request Info

Our Proven Wildlife and Forestry Conservation Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

Start anytime
No exam due dates
Self-paced

Interactive

Digital study guides
Self-check quizzes
Simulations and videos

Connected

24/7 access to online resources
Learning Resource Center
Dedicated Learner Center

Supportive

Expert faculty
Dedicated student services
Robust learning resources

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Wildlife/Forestry Conservation Program FAQs

What does a typical wildlife and forestry conservation job description look like?

There are a variety of jobs available for those who have studied wildlife and forestry conservation, so job descriptions can vary from position to position. However, all jobs in wildlife and forestry conservation have certain details in common. Most job descriptions will require you to work outdoors often, so a love of nature is a must. Workers in these roles should also be passionate about protecting and conserving the environment, especially plants and wildlife.

What is the average wildlife and forestry conservation salary?

The average salary for someone working in wildlife and forestry conservation can vary based on location, experience, and the type of role you work in. However, an entry-level worker in wildlife and forestry can expect to earn an average starting salary of $32,270 per year.*

How do I get involved in wildlife and forestry?

In order to help prepare for a job in the forestry and wildlife field, it's best to receive relevant education and experience. In addition to your studies, you may also want to consider volunteering or career shadow through different local forestry and wildlife organizations.

What should I expect from a forestry degree program?

A career diploma in wildlife/forestry conservation should cover wildlife management classes, park management classes, field safety, and wildlife law enforcement.

What can I do with a degree in wildlife and forestry conservation?

Once you've earned your degree, you can take the next steps toward a career in a variety of related positions in different environments, including:

Local, state, or federal parks services.
Fish hatcheries.
State Game Commissions.
Conservation groups.
And wildlife rescue centers.

What is the importance of environmental conservation?

The need for environmental conservation is only increasing due to the focus on halting and reversing the negative impact of climate change. Workers within wildlife and forestry conservation play an active role in ensuring our world is safe for both people and animals.

Sources:

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Forest and Conservation Workers". Accessed October 2, 2023.

Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.

Disclaimers:

¹ Depending on where you live, you may be charged taxes in addition to the total cost of your program.