Overview
Practical, theoretical, and analytical wildlife studies

The Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation program combines the practical, theoretical and analytical strengths of courses provided by accredited NAWTA (North American Wildlife Technology Association) colleges with courses from the University of Prince Edward Island, for students interested in obtaining rigorous training in wildlife conservation. Foundational science courses (e.g., General Chemistry) and senior analytical environmental science courses (e.g., Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, Marine Biology) complement the strong field training acquired during the college diploma program. Students graduating from an accredited NAWTA college program with a minimum of a 70% average are eligible to apply to UPEI for formal entry into the Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation degree program.

Our faculty hold grants from the Natural Sciences and Research Council of Canada, Canada Foundation for Innovation, among others and have research programs in arctic insect ecology, watershed ecology, pollination biology, coastal habitat ecology, animal habitat fragmentation, aquatic toxicology, plant ecological genetics, among others.

Entry to the program is restricted to September of each year and applications must be received by June 1. Once accepted to UPEI, students will undertake a rigorous program of 20 courses, 15 of which will be required, with an additional 5 courses to be chosen from a list of acceptable electives. Students who are accepted to the program must be able to demonstrate that they have already been vaccinated for Rabies, or obtain a Rabies vaccination during the first year of their program. Students are subject to all of the Academic Regulations of the University.

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Course Structure

Note: Current UPEI students should refer to Student Planning in myUPEI and the UPEI Academic Calendar governing their entry year, and speak to an academic advisor about course requirements. The course structure presented for this program is a recommended, unofficial progression for prospective students.


9 Core Biology courses:

  • Biology 1310—Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Biology 2220—Ecology
  • Biology 3310—Research Methods and Communications in Biology
  • Biology 3820—Evolutionary Biology
  • Biology 3910—Marine Biology OR Biology 4620—Watershed Ecology
  • Biology 4130—Conservation Genetics
  • Biology 4150—Wildlife Health
  • Biology 4520—Biogeography and Macroecology OR Biology 4540—Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
  • Biology 4910—Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Management Practicum 

7 Core Courses in Other Departments:

  • Environmental Studies 1010—Introduction to Environmental Studies
  • Environmental Studies 2120—Earth’s Physical Environment
  • Environmental Studies 4310—Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Economics 1010—Introductory Microeconomics
  • Economics 2110—Introduction to Resource Economics
  • Economics 2150—Environmental Economics
  • UPEI 1010 or UPEI 1020 or UPEI 1030
  • IKE-1040—Indigenous Teachings of Turtle Island*

Students complete the degree requirements by choosing two science and two non-science electives. 

*NOTE: As per Academic Regulation 1h, all undergraduate degree programs require successful completion of IKE-1040 (new for students beginning or returning after re-application in Fall 2022); one of UPEI-1010, UPEI-1020, or UPEI-1030, and a Writing Intensive Course.

Admissions Criteria
What's Required for Wildlife Conservation Admission?

Students graduating from an accredited NAWTA college with a minimum 70% average are eligible to apply to UPEI for formal entry into the Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation degree program.

Available start dates

This program starts in the Fall Semester each year.

Application deadlines

Applications must be received by June 1.

Refer to the specific program admission requirements in the UPEI Academic Calendar for more information.

Fees and Funding
Faculty of Science Programs Tuition

UPEI's undergraduate tuition is the second-lowest in the Atlantic region, and we offer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards. 

Tuition

$6,828 per year, based on 30 credit hours ($682.80 per 3 credit course).
International students pay $8,010 per year in addition to full-time student tuition.

For a complete breakdown of part-time or full-time study as a student in the Faculty of Science, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

Scholarships and Awards

UPEI supports you and your educational goals. We administer millions of dollars in scholarships and awards to our undergraduate and graduate students every year. Depending on your faculty or program, and year of study, you may be eligible for available awards.

Search the complete list of scholarships for information and application forms. 

Celebrating Student Achievement

Including Guaranteed Entrance Scholarships and Academic Excellence Awards, these awards recognize the academic achievements of all students who meet the eligibility criteria while studying towards their first undergraduate degree.

Visit the Scholarships site for complete information.