Wildland Conservation and Recreation (Co-Op) Bachelor

The Bachelor of Wildland Conservation and Recreation (Co-Op) is an applied undergraduate programme designed for students passionate about protecting natural landscapes and managing outdoor recreational resources. The programme integrates environmental science, conservation practice, and recreation management to address the ecological, social, and economic challenges facing wildlands today.

Students study key topics such as ecosystem management, conservation biology, wildlife and habitat protection, recreation planning, park and protected area management, environmental policy, and human–environment interactions. Emphasis is placed on sustainability, stewardship, and balancing conservation goals with responsible recreational use of natural areas.

A defining feature of the programme is the co-operative education (Co-Op) component, which provides paid, supervised work placements with organisations such as national and regional parks, conservation agencies, outdoor recreation providers, non-profit organisations, and government departments. These placements allow students to apply classroom learning in real-world settings, develop field and leadership skills, and build valuable professional networks.

Throughout the degree, students gain hands-on experience through fieldwork, applied projects, and experiential learning. Graduates develop strong skills in environmental assessment, land-use planning, communication, teamwork, and ethical decision-making. The Wildland Conservation and Recreation (Co-Op) Bachelor’s programme prepares graduates for careers in conservation management, park and recreation services, outdoor education, environmental planning, and related fields, as well as for further study in environmental science or natural resource management.