Outdoor Conservation

Mount Mercy’s Outdoor Conservation major provides coursework for students who wish to pursue careers in parks, natural resources, conservation-based organizations, and other outdoor careers. Students can either enter the program as a freshman or transfer into the College from the Parks and Natural Resources program at Kirkwood Community College.

The core courses build on fundamental principles in biology, evolution of organisms, ecology, and statistics. Electives offer choices of study between animal behavior, Iowa natural history, and environmental issues. Students may also elect to take a summer course at a field station. Many of the courses include sampling procedures using equipment like backpack shockers for fish collection and analysis of environmental chemicals with modern equipment. Analysis of data and scientific communication are part of many of these courses.

The course of study allows for elective courses outside of the major, and students can take courses or possibly earn minors in criminal justice, political science, or economics, to name a few. Participation in the GREEN Club, the Biology Club, and the Outdoor Club are also possible activities.

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