Formerly called the Graduate Certificate in Tropical Biology and Conservation, our graduate certificate is intended for the following: those who wish to pursue a career in conservation biology from either a research or practical standpoint; those who already have careers in conservation or environmental biology who wish to enhance their background; those who are pursuing careers in related fields who could benefit from additional formal training in conservation biology. Cooperating groups include the Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Zoo, the Center for International Studies at UM-St. Louis, and the departments of Chemistry, Economics, History, Political Science, Social Work, and Sociology.
Admission Requirements: Students enrolled in UMSL who intend to receive a Graduate Certificate in Global Biodiversity Conservation and Leadership must complete an application form available from the Department of Biology Graduate Studies Secretary. Students not enrolled in a course of graduate studies at UMSL must apply simultaneously to the University's graduate admissions office. Students who have a baccalaureate degree or are enrolled in graduate work elsewhere may apply to admission to the certificate program without regular admission to a graduate program at UMSL. The minimum admission requirements include: 1) at least a 3.0 GPA for undergraduate course work or a 3.2 GPA for 12 credits of graduate course work; 2) current enrollment in the graduate program in Biology at UMSL or current enrollment in a graduate program at UM-St. Louis with satisfaction of prerequisite requirements of a certificate program or 3) completion of a baccalaureate degree with satisfaction of prerequisite requirements of the certificate program. The minimum prerequisites are undergraduate courses in ecology, evolution, and genetics.
General Requirements: The certificate is awarded after completion of 18 credit hours of core courses and electives with a minimum of 12 credits at the 400 level. Up to 3 credits may be taken at the 200 level upon permission of the Graduate Committee. Electives must include a minimum of 3 credits outside biology with a maximum of 7 outside biology. A maximum of 3 credits may be taken elsewhere than UMSL. Students may simultaneously earn a graduate degree and count credits earned in their degree program toward the certificate when appropriate. View the list of courses.