What Can You Do with a Master’s in Conservation Science?

If you have a love for wildlife and science, you could work as a wildlife conservationist which is all about protecting wildlife.

Conservationists work to protect wildlife through lab research, fieldwork, and policy advocacy. A master’s in conservation biology or a master’s in conservation science will set you up for success in this role, with courses from conservation and wildlife biology to conservation decision-making.

Wildlife conservationist careers can progress from entry-level all the way up to the top! This career could earn you an average salary of AUD$87,635 (~US$56,295) with those on the high-end of the spectrum earning AUD$125,466 (~US$80,597) each year.

Is biology one of your favorite subjects? Are you passionate about the ocean? Your love for the ocean and biology will pair nicely for this career path.

Marine biologists study anything in the ocean from whales to tiny little plankton, and even the ocean water itself. They may oversee the behavior of specific animals or evaluate the impact human activity has on marine life.

Just like a wildlife conservationist, you can work your way up from an entry-level marine biologist position to a senior level role based on experience, knowledge and education. A master’s in conservation biology will set you apart from the pack and help you land a higher-level role in the marine biology field.

During the program at The University of Queensland, you’ll have the chance to complete more than a month of field work at unique sites including the regional Australian outback, the Great Barrier Reef, subtropical rainforests, and The University of Queensland’s Heron Island and Moreton Bay research stations. This hands-on work is sure to give you on-the-job knowledge and help you excel in your career as a marine biologist.

The average salary for a marine biologist is AUD$80,630 (~US$51,746) but you can earn up to AUD$151,144 (~US$97,000).

If you love science and the outdoors and have always wanted to protect national historic sites or state parks then look no further than being a park ranger.

A park ranger’s main role is to protect and preserve parklands – national, state, or local parks. As a park ranger, you’ll be able to work outdoors and speak with park guests and provide them with all the information they need. You’ll also often be enlisted to help find lost hikers and lead tours.

The role is extremely versatile and is the perfect choice for those who don’t want a desk job. Studying a master’s in conservation science will set you up for success in this role. The average salary is AUD$62,368 (~US$40,047) with those on the upper end earn AUD$95,000 (~US$61,000).

Whether you’re interested in studying a master’s in conservation science or biology, the courses, hands-on learning opportunities, and connections you make at The University of Queensland are sure to prepare you for a successful career.

Former Master of Conservation Biology graduate at the University of Queensland, Jonathan Gnanapragasam, landed a job in conservation biology before he even finished his degree.

“The exposure to working in the field in various ecosystems as part of my degree with an international cohort landed me the job to work as an expat in Mauritius before I had even completed my degree,” said Jonathan.

Just like Jonathan, you could land a career abroad on the magical island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean or wherever your dream job may be.

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