Conservation and Sustainability Concentration
This concentration enables students to focus on species conservation at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) in Front Royal Virginia. SMSC programs provide hands-on, integrated, skills-based learning experiences to prepare students for their next step in a conservation career.
Other Concentrations
This concentration enables students to focus on species conservation at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) in Front Royal Virginia. SMSC programs provide hands-on, integrated, skills-based learning experiences to prepare students for their next step in a conservation career. Students choose one of the three 16-credit in-residence programs offered: Conservation, Biodiversity & Society (CBS); Wildlife Ecology & Conservation (WEC); and Endangered Species Conservation (ESC).
Mason offers many Accelerated Master's Programs that allow students to earn a bachelor's and master's degrees in as little as 5 years. Click here to learn more about the different degree programs.
Major Map
| First Year | Middle Years | Last Year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academics |
Take required courses Make a connection with a professor Meet with your academic advisor at least once each semester your first year Small classroom learning in this major
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Meet with your advisor to choose courses and stay on track with meeting degree requirements Declare/consider declaring your concentration Consider a double major or a minor Is a Bachelor to Accelerated Master's (BAM) program right for you? Apply as early as 60 credits! Reach out to faculty for research mentorship.
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Work closely with your advisor to verify you are meeting your graduation requirements. Apply for graduation Consider taking internship courses Consider submitting your research to CHSS Research Symposium
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| Career and Professional Prep |
Visit the Career Services Center to start research on the types of jobs or industries you may find interesting (ex. Nonprofit, Sustainability, and more) Build a resume and LinkedIn profile to continue career exploration and develop your professional persona. Activate your Handshake profile to explore and opt-in to industry email lists. Start talking to professionals and faculty members via informational interviews to gain insight on their path through their career |
Enroll in INTS 420: College to Career Skills Look for internship opportunities using University Career Services and Handshake Have an internship? Receive credit for internship Discuss with multiple faculty and current professionals in the work force whether graduate school might be the right path for you Consider graduate or professional schools in the United States or abroad. Prepare standardized admission tests for graduate or professional schools, if necessary. Apply for scholarships and fellowships Create your own Career Advisory Board (pdf) Join student organizations related to your career field Talk to your professors about your goals, and ask them about job or internship opportunities Connect with Mason alums who share your career interests and have a career conversation (docx) with them Use job search sites specific to your career field Attend career fairs and employer events where you can meet multiple representatives International Students: Be informed of the latest immigration compliance rules and regulations for on-campus and off-campus work authorization. Contact the Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS) for more information.
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Specify prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 9 months before graduation Finalize materials for post-graduation employment (such as your LinkedIn page, a portfolio, etc) For graduate school applications, prepare statement of purpose/goals statement, resume and/or CV, and notify the writers of your letters of recommendation before application deadlines
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| Experiences |
Attend a meeting of (department-sponsored student club) to meet fellow majors and get involved in LinkedIn Consider joining at least one Mason student org. Check them all out on Mason 360 Look ahead to planning a student abroad program through the Global Education Office |
Meet people and become involved in the life of the college. Events & News for your major Strengthen your leadership competency. Become a CHSS Ambassador. Become a CHSS Undergraduate Learning Assistant
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Attend a regional or national research conference (Search for student discounts or complimentary for conference registration) Join professional associations (student discount membership may be available) |