Conservation Technology, M.S.

At Florida Tech, conservation technology students learn in a close-knit academic setting led by internationally recognized faculty. Small class sizes mean you’ll get to know your professors, and students often have the opportunity to collaborate with them on cutting-edge research and real-world consulting projects.

Our campus is a hub of global connection, where students from the U.S. and around the world create a rich, dynamic learning environment. This sense of community helps broaden perspectives and deepen understanding of how conservation is practiced globally. It’s a setting that fosters critical thinking, innovation and leadership.

The conservation technology master’s program combines a strong foundation in biology, conservation science and ecology with advanced training in technology, covering areas like bioinformatics and ecological modeling. This well-rounded approach equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to address complex environmental challenges.

The program facilitates eligibility for respected professional designations such as Associate Wildlife Biologist® (awarded by The Wildlife Society) and Associate Ecologist (offered by the Ecological Society of America), enhancing graduates’ career prospects in natural resource management and conservation leadership.

Florida Tech’s location on the Space Coast offers direct access to one of North America’s most biodiverse regions. Just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, students enjoy unparalleled opportunities for hands-on research in marine, coastal and wetland environments.

Nearby natural laboratories include forests, inland lakes and Florida’s unique wetland ecosystems. You’ll also be within reach of the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park—ideal for extended fieldwork.

Our proximity to beaches, protected areas and major agencies opens doors for internships and employment with environmental firms, conservation organizations and government partners. Plus, with the university located in one of the nation’s largest high-tech corridors, you’ll benefit from additional opportunities in environmental data, innovation and applied research.

Summer fieldwork courses are offered that take students to places like the Galapagos, Amazon, Puerto Rico or the Salish Sea in the Pacific Northwest. You’ll gain hands-on experience with techniques such as snorkeling surveys, wildlife tracking and ecological data collection, building practical skills in an exciting range of environments.

The conservation technology program is supported by advanced facilities designed for meaningful research and hands-on training.

Just minutes from campus, where Crane Creek meets the Indian River Lagoon, the Mertens Marine Center serves as a base for fieldwork, with on-site labs that allow samples to be processed within minutes of collection. The Ralph S. Evinrude Marine Operations Center offers direct water access and supports a wide range of research, from shallow-water studies using small boats to offshore projects via chartered vessels.

On campus, students have access to specialized laboratories in the F.W. Olin Physical Sciences and Life Sciences buildings, including the High-Resolution Microscopy and Advanced Imaging Center. The L3Harris Center for Science and Engineering houses aquaculture and marine biology labs that support small-scale experiments under controlled conditions.

Together, these resources support hands-on field experience and research, while fostering collaboration with government agencies, nonprofits and industry partners.

To be well prepared for the program, applicants should have an undergraduate degree that includes coursework in introductory biology, calculus, statistics, ecology and zoology. A broad academic background is also important, so we recommend at least three courses each in the physical sciences, humanities and social sciences or liberal arts.

For more information about applying, please see university graduate admission requirements.