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

Sponsored by The University of Queensland

Do you love science and the environment? If so, you might want to consider a career in conservation science.

There are a few different graduate degree paths that can take you there, from a Master of Conservation Biology or a Master of Conservation Science. You’ll study subjects ranging from conservation and wildlife biology to international and national conservation policy, which can lead to careers in conservation science, marine biology, sustainability, and more. 

You’ll have the opportunity to work around the world in a role that suits you – whether that’s in an office environment, working out in the field, or even a mix of both.

So where better to study and get set-up for success in your career than the world’s number one university for biodiversity conservation research – The University of Queensland.

You can work as a chief sustainability director

One of the higher paying jobs for those who study a Master of Conservation Science is a chief sustainability director. In this position, you’ll be in charge of creating sustainable initiatives for your company.

You’ll excel in this role if you’re a great leader and truly believe in sustainability and the impact it has on the world. As this is a senior role, you will need to start in an associate level sustainability job and work your way up.

A master’s in conservation science will help give you a competitive edge as you’ll have the opportunity to take part in international study opportunities and research projects.

Chief sustainability directors make an average of AUD$158,574 (~US$101,882), with those on the top-end earning upwards of AUD$241,253.81 (~US$155,000), according to PayScale.

… or as a wildlife conservationist

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.

Marine biology is another career path you might want to consider

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).

Would you love to work amongst nature?

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).

Whatever your dream role may be, a master’s degree can help you land it

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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