This interdisciplinary concentration prepares students for leadership roles in zoos and conservation organizations. Hands-on experiences are a key component of this concentration, which includes a sophomore practicum and a junior-year internship that provide students with direct experience in behavioral husbandry methods central to contemporary zoo management. Drake students join on ongoing projects at the Blank Park Zoo and the Ape Cognition and Conservation Initiative, and the optional J-term course in Rwanda allows students to study national conservation planning and observe African wildlife up close and in person.
Drake’s zoo and conservation science concentration provides our graduates the background and practical experience needed to enter the filed of conservation and zoo science, and advance to coveted area director, curatorial, and management positions. In addition, applicants with strong academic backgrounds and operational animal experience are very marketable as candidates for many senior roles in zoos—including education, operations, member relations, and CEO positions.
Zoos contribute more than $17 billion to the U.S. economy, support 160,000 jobs, and provide training to 12 million students annually.
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Zoo & Conservation
Science Homepage
Michael J. Renner
Professor of Biology & Psychology
Email: michael.renner@drake.edu
Phone: 515-271-2501