Conservation courses can help you learn biodiversity assessment, habitat restoration techniques, wildlife management, and ecological monitoring. You can build skills in data collection, environmental impact analysis, and community engagement strategies. Many courses introduce tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping ecosystems and statistical software for analyzing ecological data, that support implementing effective conservation strategies.

American Museum of Natural History
Skills you'll gain: Environment, Systems Thinking, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Resource Management, Biology, Sustainable Development, Environmental Engineering and Restoration, Case Studies, Mathematical Modeling
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Stakeholder Engagement, Environmental Monitoring, Hydrology, Community Outreach, Water Resource Management, Environmental Engineering and Restoration, Water Resources, Cultural Diversity, Land Management, Policy Analysis, Social Sciences, Cultural Sensitivity, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Laws, Environmental Resource Management, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resource Management, Case Studies, Water Quality, Climate Change Adaptation
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Case Studies, Environment, Environmental Issue, Risk Analysis, Biology, Sustainable Development, Taxonomy
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, Environment, Water Resources, Demography, Energy and Utilities, Environmental Science, Environmental Resource Management, Sustainability Standards, Sustainable Engineering, Water Resource Management, Social Sciences, Climate Change Adaptation, Economics
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Oral Expression, Human Learning, Education Software and Technology, Technical Communication, Education and Training, Writing, Community Outreach, Learning Theory, Research, Technical Writing, Learning Management Systems, Scientific Methods, Media and Communications, Science and Research, Persuasive Communication, Program Evaluation, Interviewing Skills, Photography, Infographics, Storytelling
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Florida
Skills you'll gain: Land Management, Water Quality, Water Resource Management, Hydrology, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Regulations, Sustainable Development, Sustainability Standards, Environmental Science
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Engineering and Restoration, Water Resource Management, Land Management, Natural Resource Management, Hydrology, Environment and Resource Management, Water Quality, Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Science, Biology
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Land Management, Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Environment, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Engineering and Restoration, Environment and Resource Management, Climate Change Mitigation, Socioeconomics, Finance
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Regulations, Sustainable Development, Environmental Policy, Climate Change Mitigation, Energy and Utilities, Climate Change Adaptation, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Science, Health Assessment, Public Health, Pollution Prevention
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

PepsiCo
Skills you'll gain: Water Resources, Hydrology, Water Resource Management, Water Sustainability, Water Quality, Stormwater Management, Environment and Resource Management, Natural Resource Management, Environment, Corporate Sustainability, Stakeholder Engagement, Governance, Strategic Thinking, Public Works, Forecasting, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering and Restoration, Quantitative Research, Environmental Monitoring, Supply Chain Management
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Canva (Software), Logo Design, Video Production, Infographics, Graphic and Visual Design, Graphic Design, Content Creation, Social Media Marketing, Marketing Communications
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
Skills you'll gain: Environment, Environmental Resource Management, Sustainable Development, Environmental Issue, Environmental Policy, Climate Change Programs, Environmental Science, Environmental Management Systems, Water Sustainability, Natural Resource Management, Sustainable Business, Environmental Monitoring, Waste Minimization, Climate Change Mitigation, Climate Change Adaptation, Pollution Prevention, Systems Thinking, Biology, Stakeholder Engagement
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Conservation refers to the responsible management of natural resources and the protection of ecosystems to ensure their sustainability for future generations. It is crucial because it helps preserve biodiversity, maintains ecosystem services, and combats climate change. By protecting habitats and species, conservation efforts contribute to the overall health of our planet, which is vital for human survival and well-being.‎
A variety of jobs exist in the field of conservation, ranging from fieldwork to policy-making. Positions may include conservation biologists, environmental educators, wildlife managers, and policy analysts. These roles often involve working with governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies focused on environmental sustainability. Each position plays a vital role in promoting conservation efforts and ensuring the protection of natural resources.‎
To pursue a career in conservation, you should develop a mix of technical and soft skills. Key skills include ecological knowledge, data analysis, project management, and communication. Additionally, understanding environmental policies and regulations is essential. Hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work can also enhance your practical skills and make you more competitive in the job market.‎
There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in conservation. For instance, the Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation course provides foundational knowledge in ecology and its application to conservation. Additionally, the Wetland Science & Management: Fundamentals to Conservation Specialization offers a comprehensive look at wetland ecosystems and their management.‎
Yes. You can start learning conservation on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in conservation, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
Conservation courses typically cover a range of topics, including biodiversity, ecosystem services, conservation policy, and sustainable resource management. Specific courses may focus on particular ecosystems, such as wetlands or tropical forests, and their unique conservation challenges. Additionally, courses often address the social dimensions of conservation, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and policy-making.‎
For training and upskilling employees in conservation, specialized courses like the People, Policy & Wetlands: Social Dimensions of Conservation Specialization can be particularly beneficial. These programs equip participants with the necessary skills to address conservation challenges effectively, making them valuable assets in their organizations.‎