The Smithsonian-Mason Semesters for Conservation Studies, is based at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia near the Shenandoah National Park. The SCBI is an active research station where conservation professionals are working on strategies to address pressing global threats to biodiversity and the environment. Students participating in our programs spend a full semester living, taking classes, and working in this exciting and beautiful environment.
We offer two distinct programs, Applied Conservation Strategies and Ecology for Effective Conservation Practices. Each one offers a set of five integrated courses that include a practicum experience as well as classes focusing on conservation theory and applications. Applied Conservation Strategies focuses on the root causes of conservation issues and how science informs management and policy. Ecology for Effective Conservation Practices emphasizes the application of ecological theory to conservation and how to successfully communicate about threats to species.
Like a "study abroad" program, students live in residence at the SCBI during the semester and learn from prominent research scientists, wildlife biologists, educators, and other leading conservation professionals. Through academically intense, hands-on curricula and networking opportunities, students emerge from their Semester experience prepared for conservation related internships, graduate study or professions.
If you have any students who might be interested in this exceptional opportunity, please direct them to our
website: http://mccs.gmu.edu/undergraduate where they can apply online. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our program at smithsem@gmu.edu.
We offer two distinct programs, Applied Conservation Strategies and Ecology for Effective Conservation Practices. Each one offers a set of five integrated courses that include a practicum experience as well as classes focusing on conservation theory and applications. Applied Conservation Strategies focuses on the root causes of conservation issues and how science informs management and policy. Ecology for Effective Conservation Practices emphasizes the application of ecological theory to conservation and how to successfully communicate about threats to species.
Like a "study abroad" program, students live in residence at the SCBI during the semester and learn from prominent research scientists, wildlife biologists, educators, and other leading conservation professionals. Through academically intense, hands-on curricula and networking opportunities, students emerge from their Semester experience prepared for conservation related internships, graduate study or professions.
If you have any students who might be interested in this exceptional opportunity, please direct them to our
website: http://mccs.gmu.edu/undergraduate where they can apply online. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our program at smithsem@gmu.edu.
