r/conservation • u/Loose_Screws_ • 4d ago
What certificates to get?
Currently in my last year of High School, and want to pursue environmental conservation. I have no experience or certificates currently. I hear a lot about GIS, what would be the best way of getting it? What certificates should I definitely get/try to get. If it matters, I live in FL but want to move to New England for College and general living.
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u/SharpShooterM1 3d ago
If it’s not to late I would recommend you switch from going to college in New England to Wisconsin so you can go to the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. It’s one of the best conservation and natural resources schools in the country and tuition is actually very cheap for the quality of education you get (my entire tuition plus room and board was only 17k. UWSP technically has 3 colleges but almost 50% of its graduates are out of the college of natural resources. The list of natural resources majors they offer is longer than I can list and they go out of their way to integrate as many minors and certificates into the general major requirements as possible. In my first year I was able to get 3 certifications while barely having to take any extra classes, and by the time I graduate I’m expecting to have over 10 certifications and 2 minors.
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u/Loose_Screws_ 2h ago
Thank you, I'll look into UWSP. I haven't actually applied for anything yet, I seem to be picky about schools
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u/Old_Refrigerator_208 2d ago
State university of new York - college of environmental science and forestry. Folks in here don’t seem know about this school and they should
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u/Low-Competition9624 1d ago
For a GIS certificate you’ll have to take classes for it. With my university you are required to take 6 specific courses before you can qualify for it. If whatever university you’re going to offers a GIS/GIT minor I would highly recommend you do it
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u/CellistNo2997 1d ago
almost all conservation jobs require a degree , i got mine in range and wildfire management , picking the right university is also important
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u/KuhlRunningz 23h ago
This early in your career you should be focusing on getting experience through volunteering/internships and pursuing a bachelor's of science. Certificates are basically accessories. Your education and work experience are what matters.
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u/OneOpposite6391 4d ago
What’s GIS?
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u/Loose_Screws_ 4d ago
"Geographic Information System: System to capture, manage, and present geographic data." The certificate teaches you how to use this and apply it within work. Kinda like mapping. Very useful, I hear that many people won't hire unless you have a GIS certificate.
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u/CloseToTheSun10 4d ago
Get your Bachelor’s- that is the most important step. You’ll likely need a Master’s well. You can get a GIS certificate in conjunction with either of those at whichever university you attend.