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Students wading in stream

Natural Resources Conservation

Certificate

Gain hands-on training at regional field stations while completing introductory courses in biology and wildlife management. Prepare for a career in conservation in as little as one year with this certificate program.

Certificate
29 Credit Hours
In-Person

Program Overview

Earn a natural resources conservation certificate in as little as one year. FLCC's certificate program is designed for you if you plan to seek employment or if you are looking to grow your skills in the environmental conservation field. This program will also benefit you if you hold a degree in other disciplines that will pair well with conservation training. You also may be interested if you serve or plan to serve in an appointed or elected environmental decision-making position.

  • Career Outlook

    Careers in natural resource conservation are as abundant and diverse as the environment itself. Finger Lakes Community College is one of the most successful colleges in the state of New York at placing graduates in highly competitive conservation positions. Graduates of our natural resources conservation program hold jobs in the field in more than 25 states and are employed by federal, state, local, and private agencies.

    Some career opportunities include:

    • Conservation Educator
    • Field Technician
    • Natural Resources Specialist
    • Park Ranger
    • Trail Steward
    • Wildlife Technician

    Curious about career pathways in this field? Check out Career Coach to learn more about industry job growth, education requirements, earning potential, and more. 

    Smooth Transfer to a Four-Year College

    If you're considering a bachelor’s degree after FLCC, our academic advisors will help you connect with four-year schools and explore transfer options. We'll assist you in selecting courses that efficiently meet the requirements for both FLCC and your future college.

    • Joint Admissions Agreements: These allow first-year students to gain admission to both FLCC and participating four-year schools at the same time. Gain peace of mind knowing your next step is set while you complete your associate degree with us.
    • Transfer Articulation Agreements: These partnerships ensure your credits from FLCC will transfer directly and seamlessly to a partner four-year school. You can enter a bachelor’s program with full junior standing, saving you time and money.

    VIEW TRANSFER AGREEMENTS

    Where Our Students Transfer

    If you're interested in continuing your education, your coursework can transfer to our natural resource conservation, environmental science, or fish and wildlife technology degree programs. These programs will broaden your career and transfer prospects in the conservation field.

  • Outdoor Wildlife Education

    Our 250-acre main campus is home to second-growth woodlands, wetlands, nature trails, and fields in various states of natural succession. You'll spend time on the water, joining your classmates and FLCC faculty on our research vessels — including a state-of-the-art electrofishing boat.

  • Sample Courses

    Visit our academic catalog for a complete listing of program requirements, including prerequisites, general education requirements, electives, and a sample schedule.

    View Full Curriculum

    Sample core courses you'll take in this program include:

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost per credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. Our financial aid counselors will guide you through the process and help you understand college costs.

Program Page Cost Statistics

$5,376

per year for in-state tuition ($224 per credit hour).
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76%

of students are eligible for financial aid or scholarships.
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$18M

in financial aid was disbursed to our students last year.
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