How Can I Earn a Diploma in Wildlife and Forestry Conservation?

<h3 id="section---WhatDiplomasAreAvailableInWildlifeAndForestryConservation">What Diplomas Are Available in Wildlife and Forestry Conservation?</h3> <p>Diplomas are available in wildlife and forestry conservation, wildlife and plantation management, forest technology and conservation training. Each of these diploma programs takes about a year and a half to complete. You can begin working towards a diploma after you turn 16, but you must have either a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) equivalent. Some programs offer distance learning options, including online study, so you can complete the courses and exams entirely at home. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Diploma Options</b></td><td>Wildlife and forestry conservation, forest technology, conservation</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Mapping and surveying, wildlife population management, forest safety measures, plant identification, state and federal laws</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Distance Learning</b></td><td>Online learning platforms, postal mail</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Salary</b></td><td>Mean annual salary of $33,520 for conservation workers in 2020*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Outlook</b></td><td>Little or no change (0%) for forest and conservation workers between 2019-2029*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3> <p>Through these wildlife and forestry conservation diploma programs, you may complete introductory courses in mapping and surveying so you can mark paths, trails, water and places where wild animals make their homes. This can help you manage and protect a forest environment. In some classes, you may learn to identify trees and plants from their leaves and other distinguishing features. Other classes focus on water supply problems, including flood damage, water shortages and polluted water, and control methods. Other topics of study might include: </p> <ul><li>Wildlife population management </li><li>Forest safety measures </li><li>State and federal laws </li><li>Predators, parasites and extinction </li><li>Reseeding and planting forests </li><li>Damage from sawmills </li></ul><h3 id="section---HowDoDistanceLearningProgramsWork">How Do Distance Learning Programs Work?</h3> <p>A few schools make forestry and wildlife conservation diplomas available through distance learning programs, often making use of online learning platforms like Blackboard or WebCT. Some programs, however, rely on postal mail for delivery of course materials. Generally, you'll need to complete all of the assignments, tests and lessons for one course or lesson before moving onto the next. This format allows you to complete all course requirements at the pace that best suits you. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreMyCareerOptions">What Are My Career Options?</h3> <p>With a diploma in forestry or wildlife conservation, you may be able to find a job as a forest conservation worker. This job involves managing forest lands and maintaining facilities in the forest. You may need to remove sick trees and plants or spray insecticides to protect plant life from illnesses. Other responsibilities may include planting seeds or trees to encourage forest growth. As of May 2020, forest and conservation workers earned a mean annual salary of $33,520, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (<i>www.bls.gov</i>).</p>