University of Guelph Master of Conservation Leadership

University of Guelph Master of Conservation Leadership program launching May 2020

Original Story Posted by University of Guelph

“The Master of Conservation Leadership takes a unique, interdisciplinary approach to its pedagogy. This conservation specific leadership program, much like an MBA, is designed for the working professional. It provides students the flexibility to complete course work while at the same time continuing to work in the field with their organization. Like the PhD in Social Practice and Transformational Change, the new Master of Conservation Leadership has students develop an individualized development plan. In addition, a recognized expert in the conservation sector acts as a “Leadership Coach,” helping guide students through the program.

This new program, targeted to start in May 2020, fills a gap in the Canadian conservation sector. Formerly, Canadian conservation professionals seeking post-graduate training to upgrade their knowledge base and assume greater administrative responsibilities would have to turn to programs in resource management or more generalist programs in business or public administration. This program allows students to focus on leadership as it pertains specifically to conservation. It uniquely integrates Indigenous ways of knowing with the strengths of Western conservation practices, allows students to collaborate with leading experts in conservation and teaches them innovative techniques that prepare them for senior leadership roles in the conservation sector.

“We are excited to launch this innovative new program which fosters resilient leaders who are able to respond to rapidly changing ecological and political contexts,” says Robin Roth, program director and associate professor in the department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics.”