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What is Conservation Technology?

Get a Master's in Conservation Technology

The Conservation Technology M.S.

Gain the scientific foundation and technical skills for conservation and resource management careers.

The M.S. in conservation technology combines ecological science with training in tools like GIS, ecological modeling and conservation genetics. You'll get practical experience designing studies, analyzing data and mapping landscapes using the same technologies conservation professionals rely on.

This non-thesis, course-based program emphasizes both basic and applied research, building marketable skills and a systems-thinking approach across scales—from genes to ecosystems to human impacts. Graduates are prepared for roles in land management, environmental consulting, marine and wildlife conservation and more.

Whether your interests lie in the field, the lab or the intersection of science and policy, this program equips you to make a difference.

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Why Choose Florida Tech for Conservation Technology?

Florida Tech’s ideal location, interdisciplinary focus and emphasis on hands-on learning make it a standout choice for studying conservation science. Connecting biology, technology and sustainability, the program prepares graduates with the scientific insight and technical fluency needed for real-world impact.

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.

Careers in Conservation Technology

Graduates with an M.S. in conservation technology are well prepared for careers that combine ecological science with advanced technical skills. They work in roles focused on research, analysis and environmental problem-solving across a range of settings, including consulting firms, government agencies, NGOs and research institutions.

Employers include organizations such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Johns River Water Management District and conservation-focused nonprofits, as well as zoos, aquariums and private-sector firms.

Career paths include:

  • Conservation scientist or technician
  • Wildlife biologist
  • Environmental scientist or specialist
  • Natural resource manager
  • Ecological data analyst
  • Zoologist or agricultural scientist

With a strong foundation in ecological research, GIS, modeling and systems thinking, graduates are equipped for leadership roles in conservation and natural resource management, and for navigating the evolving environmental challenges of today and tomorrow.

Florida Tech Career Services assists students, alumni and employers in their search for careers and employee candidates. We help students develop career plans and job-search skills. Explore our Career Toolbox to learn more about our services and access additional resources.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), provides information about jobs, including median annual pay, working conditions and job outlook, among other things. Check the handbook for information on the outlook for jobs in conservation technology.

Explore the Conservation Technology, M.S., Curriculum

The Conservation Technology, M.S., Curriculum

The M.S. in conservation technology is a 30-credit, non-thesis program designed to be completed in one year (two semesters and a summer session) or over the course of three semesters.

The curriculum prepares you for real-world conservation work using the tools and approaches employers value most.

In addition to core training in ecological science and technology, the program offers flexibility through elective options that let you explore areas like marine biology, environmental science, plant biotechnology, sustainability or environmental economics.

You can also apply internships, research projects or summer field courses toward your elective credits, giving you the freedom to shape your degree around your interests and career goals.

Courses include:

  • Design and Analysis of Ecological Studies
  • Conservation Genetics
  • Applied Geographic Information Systems for Biological Research

Check the catalog for a description of all courses.

Download the Conservation Technology, M.S., Curriculum now!

A student sets up a water quality meter for testing in the Indian River Lagoon

Summer Fieldwork Opportunities

Professor Mark Bush, center of boat, leads Florida Tech students in a summer field course on the Lagartococha River in the Ecuadorean Amazon. Photo credit: Rich Aronson

Summer field research courses offer conservation technology students opportunities for immersive, hands-on experience in globally diverse ecosystems—from the Galapagos and Amazon to Puerto Rico’s coral reefs and the Pacific Northwest’s Salish Sea.

These courses blend classroom learning with real-world field methods, such as snorkeling, boat‑based surveys, wildlife monitoring and data collection, providing crucial training in research techniques, logistical planning and ecological analysis.

For conservation technology students, this translates into stronger practical skills, deeper ecological insight and meaningful experience that supports career preparation and professional growth in marine and environmental science.

Image: Professor Mark Bush leads Florida Tech students in a summer field course on the Lagartococha River in the Ecuadorean Amazon. Photo credit: Rich Aronson

Learn more about Conservation Technology at Florida Tech on the website.

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