Biology major examining a specimen of the extinct Passenger Pigeon.

Conservation Biology:

        The Major

The first major in Conservation Biology in SUNY.

 Conservation biology is a relatively new and rapidly growing field that utilizes a multidisciplinary approach for preserving Earth’s plant and animal species and the ecosystems on which they depend.  Properly trained conservation biologists must have a firm foundation in biological sciences, an understanding of regional and global economic, social, geographic, and political considerations, and a sensitivity to ethical and aesthetic values. This broad training naturally occurs in a liberal arts and sciences college like SUNY Cortland.

 Our goal is to have students acquire the depth and breadth of knowledge to enter professional careers or graduate programs that foster the stewardship of Earth’s biodiversity.