I would be very interested if the Conservation Diploma program was upgraded to an actual degree program. Basically, with the diploma program we are getting a brief introduction to Conservation and how things work, but there is no hands on type work and yes, to get a job in this field an actual degree is definitely required, I work with the Bureau of Reclamation, and in the same building is Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Bureau of Land Management. Just about all the agencies require a degree to work as a Conservation or Natural Resources Specialist, even the entry level positions. The only advantage I have is that I already work with one of the agencies, have a BA degree in psychology and I am taking this diploma program, so I have a better opportunity of getting my foot in the door in working in conservation or natural resources. For everyone else, a BA degree is required to work for the Federal Gov't. In the private sector an associate degree would most likely help for entry level employment.
As it stands, even if I do manage to impress some manager somewhere with my initiation and enthusiasm for conservation and natural resources, I am almost assuredly going to have to take additional college courses to at least get an associate degree in Natural Resources/ Environmental Sciences in order to get the job I really want.
