Colorado State University - Conservation Leadership Master's Program

About this program

The Master of Conservation Leadership program prepares leaders to address complex conservation issues. The program is built around principles of experiential learning, interdisciplinary instruction, and project-based application. Our students work closely with a network of practitioners and organizations throughout their time in the program to both learn from and contribute to real conservation problem-solving. Conservation Leadership is the option for individuals seeking to make a difference in the lives and ecosystems of our planet.

The Master of Conservation Leadership is 18 months, including two semesters of full-time coursework followed by a four month capstone project period. Coursework prepares students to work in the conservation field by developing skills and knowledge in leadership, collaboration, systems-thinking, innovation, and other skills. The Capstone Project gives students the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge to a real conservation issue by working with a community partner and developing a project deliverable to help the organization further their conservation work.

• Year partnership began: 2017
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 2

Application requirements

• Official transcripts
• Two professional recommendations
• Statement of purpose
• Current resume
• Online Interview

Admissions process

1. Complete the admissions checklist of required documents
2. Submit the online application fee waiver request
3. Include a description of Peace Corps service in your resume when applying to the Impact MBA program and your official Peace Corps Description of Service.
4. Notification of admission will be 2-6 weeks after application.
5. Apply for a graduate assistantship. This application will be used for the purpose of placement within the College of Business.
6. Notification of Coverdell Fellowship awards will be by email as early as mid-February.

Degrees awarded

Master of Conservation Leadership

Benefits and opportunities

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $18,142

Cost savings details

**Please note that costs shift slightly every year so these are estimates. You can confirm exact amounts with Program Staff.

• RPCV non-resident tuition (~$14,500/semester) discounted to resident tuition (~$6,000/semester) due to State of Colorado legislature: $25,500
• Coverdell Graduate Assistantship tuition benefit: ~6,000
• Coverdell Graduate Assistantship Health insurance premium: ~$5,000
• Coverdell Graduate Assistantship Stipend: ~$8,500
• Coverdell Graduate Assistantship Fees: ~$2,500
• RPCV application fee waiver: $60

Tuition and fees are based upon the 2024-2025 academic year and are subject to increase on an annual basis dependent upon Board of Governor approval.

Internship

As a Peace Corps Coverdell Fellowship recipient, in addition to the GA, you will be required to complete an internship that serves an impoverished or socially disadvantaged local community. It is the expectation that you will complete a minimum of 120 hours on this internship. Securing an internship placement will be your responsibility; however, assistance is available from both the College of Business Career Management Center and the Impact MBA staff. Internships may be paid or unpaid and a final report will be due at the completion of the internship.

Other opportunities

As of 2023, all Returned Peace Corps Volunteers receive in-state tuition at Colorado State University, which saves you over $25,000 in addition to the value of the Fellowship. Plus, we reserve a Graduate Assistantship award for the Coverdell recipients, which is a 10-hour/week work commitment assisting a faculty for the first year of the program.

All Impact MBA students are required to enroll in a corporate sustainability fellowship. Corporate Sustainability fellows are paid at a minimum of $23 per hour for 400 hours for a total of $9,200.

Additional benefits afforded to each Fellow include:

• CSU Mountain Campus Orientation: An overnight community-building introduction to the Impact MBA program, Colorado State University, staff and faculty and current students held in nearby beautiful mountains.
• Professional Development opportunities to participate in co-curricular trainings, case competitions, and cross campus and community networking events.
• Career Support: The College of Business has its own Career Management Center offering career-focused workshops and events, personal branding on LinkedIn and social media, job offer evaluation, negotiation strategies and networking opportunities for life.

Jobs for alumni

Thought Leadership organizations

• B Lab Global
• SASB
• GreenBiz
• WWF
• Textile Exchange

Sustainability Roles within Companies

• Keurig
• Dr. Pepper
• Vail Resorts
• PepsiCo
• Aldi

Non-Profit & Government Roles

• Nature Conservancy
• Palmer Land Trust
• Jefferson County
• City of Fort Collins
• CDP
• Colorado Energy Office

Sustainability Consultants

• Ramboll
• Antea Group
• Pinion
• Deloitte
• ISOS Group
• Anthesis Group

Nontraditional options