Smithsonian-Mason Semester in Conservation Studies
The Smithsonian-Mason Global Conservation Studies Program is proud to
offer two 16-credit programs for undergraduates committed to the
study of conservation, based at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology
Institute (SCBI) near the Shenandoah National Park in Front Royal, Virginia.
Each semester-long program Applied Conservation Strategies and
Ecology for Effective Conservation Practices, offers five integrated
courses that include a practicum work experience with researchers at
the SCBI as well as classes focusing on conservation theory and
applications. The Semester in Applied Conservation Strategies focuses
on the scientific, sociopolitical and economic root causes of
conservation issues and ways in which science informs management and
policy. Ecology for Effective Conservation Practices emphasizes the
application of ecological theory to the study of conservation and
methods for successfully communicating about threats to species.
Our new academic and dorm facilities provide a state-of-the-art
learning environment. During the Semester, students live in a
close-knit academic community that emphasizes active learning,
teamwork, hands-on experience, public communication and case studies,
preparing them for conservation-related professions and graduate study.
These unique programs are open to upper-level and post-baccalaureate
students from any college or university. Students should have
completed a minimum of 60 credits of college course work, and have a
demonstrated commitment to conservation. In addition, for the
Semester in Ecology for Effective Conservation Practices, students
should have completed at least one upper-level ecology course, as the
science content in this program is more rigorous. Semester programs
may be taken individually or in consecutive semesters. A federal
background check is required.
Please share this information with students and colleagues across
disciplines who may be interested in this opportunity. The
application deadline is March 1, 2012, and more information about the
program and the application may be accessed at our website
http://mccs.gmu.edu/undergraduate.
--
Stephanie Lessard-Pilon, Ph.D.
New Century College
Smithsonian-Mason Global Conservation Studies Program
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
[email protected]
