Program Overview and Mission (click to learn more – download brochure)

The Master of Science (MS) degree in Integrative Biological Diversity blends the biological and environmental sciences with current social issues in order to train students to assess, manage, and think critically about biodiversity issues. The Integrative Biological Diversity degree combines graduate courses with faculty expertise across the Connecticut State Colleges and University (CSCU) System.  Students have opportunities to collaborate with partnering organizations to engage in real-world practice. This program is suitable for secondary education teachers, current environmental science professionals, and others who are interested in a graduate-level biology degree that focuses on the ecological, physiological, and natural history of biological organisms.

Applied Stewardship

Biodiversity Stewardship refers to the responsible protection of organisms and their ecological relationships.  The MS program exposes students to the complex network of stakeholders and the issues involved in sustainable stewardship practice.  All students are required to develop and implement a stewardship plan based on their interests.  The stewardship experience emphasizes how using scientific evidence can inform management practices and decision-making, and stresses the importance of using high quality data to maintain scientific credibility.  Collaboration is an integral part of the stewardship experience.