Master of Science in Conservation Education - Mississippi State

10/08/2026

From the field to the future. 🎓✨

Meet Tristan Peavey, a May 2025 graduate of the Master of Science in Conservation Education - Mississippi State online program! 🎓✨

As an Extension Agent with the Mississippi State University Extension Service in Lincoln County, Mississippi, Tristan works across agriculture, natural resources, horticulture, forestry, wildlife, and community education.

With a passion for conservation, wildlife, and the outdoors, Tristan pursued the MSCE degree to strengthen his ability to provide meaningful conservation education to landowners, agricultural producers, youth, and community members.

The flexibility of the online MSCE program allowed him to continue working full-time while earning his degree. He was able to apply what he learned directly to his Extension programming, strengthening his ability to translate research-based information into practical, accessible conservation education.

Today, Tristan combines his Extension experience with advanced training in conservation education, helping communities better understand and responsibly manage Mississippi’s agricultural and natural resources.

Want to advance your career without putting it on hold? 🧑‍💻 Our fully online MS in Conservation Education program is designed for working professionals just like Tristan.

🔗 Learn more through the link in the comments.

09/10/2026

From the field to the future. 🎓✨

Meet Olivia Bedell, a two-time Mississippi State University graduate, earning degrees from College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University and Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture – Mississippi State's online Master of Science in Conservation Education - Mississippi State program! 🎓✨

After gaining valuable experience with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Olivia realized her passion extended beyond conservation in the field to helping people connect with and learn about the natural world.

The flexibility of our online MSCE program allowed her to continue working while earning her degree, building the communication and engagement skills needed to tell conservation stories, connect communities with natural resources, and inspire others to care about wildlife.

Today, Olivia combines hands-on field experience with advanced training in conservation education—an increasingly valuable skill set in the wildlife profession.

Want to advance your career without putting it on hold? 🧑‍💻 Our fully online MS in Conservation Education program is designed for working professionals just like Olivia.

🔗 Learn more through the link in the comments.

09/03/2026

🎓 Alumni Spotlight: Nora Skinner 🌿

After graduating from the Master of Science in Conservation Education - Mississippi State online program in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture – Mississippi State in December 2024, Nora Skinner made a bittersweet move from her role as an Extension Associate with Mississippi State University in Biloxi back home to North Carolina. She now serves as Environmental Programs Coordinator for the Town of Apex Government , NC, where she is already approaching her first year in the role.

Nora credits the Conservation Education program with preparing her exceptionally well—from planning public-facing environmental programs to collaborating with advisory boards and applying both scientific knowledge and essential communication skills. She is especially proud to have been part of one of the program’s first cohorts and to see its impact reaching well beyond .

While she misses , Nora remains connected with classmates and colleagues—and is proud to represent the program in her work supporting conservation and community engagement.

We’re so proud of you, Nora, and can’t wait to see all you continue to accomplish! 👏🌎

👉 Learn more about this fully online Conservation Education program at the 🔗 in our bio.

08/27/2026

What sets the Master of Science in Conservation Education - Mississippi State apart? ACCREDITATION.

Mississippi State University's Online Master of Science in Conservation Education Program is one of only a select number of graduate programs nationwide accredited by the North American Association for Environmental Education - NAAEE, reflecting a commitment to excellence in conservation and environmental education.

Offered through the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture – Mississippi State in the College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University, this 30-hour, fully online program combines conservation science and education coursework with a community-based capstone project, providing students with practical, real-world experience while maintaining the flexibility needed by working professionals.

Whether your goal is to advance your career in conservation, environmental education, natural resource outreach, or community engagement, MSCE offers a nationally recognized pathway to achieve it from anywhere in the world.

👉 Learn more about the program at the 🔗 in our comments.

08/20/2026

🏆 Congratulations to Dr. Leslie Burger!

The Master of Science in Conservation Education - Mississippi State program is proud to celebrate Dr. Leslie Burger, who was recognized at the DAFVM 2026 Summer Summit with a Regions Bank-DAFVM Superior Faculty Award for Teaching.

This well-deserved honor recognizes Dr. Burger's outstanding leadership, dedication to student success, and commitment to excellence in higher education. Through her teaching, mentorship, and service, she continues to inspire future conservation educators and make a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and communities.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Burger on this exceptional achievement!

08/11/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Leslie Burger!

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Leslie Burger, Associate Teaching Professor, on her appointment as Interim Department Head of the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership in the College of Education - Mississippi State.

Dr. Burger joins the College of Education from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture – Mississippi State, where she serves as Associate Teaching Professor and Graduate Coordinator of the Master of Science in Conservation Education - Mississippi State program and will continue in those roles while serving in her new leadership position. With more than 18 years of service to Mississippi State University, including 13 years as a faculty member, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to teaching, leadership, and student success.

A respected educator and leader, Dr. Burger earned her Ph.D. in Forest Resources from the College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University, a Master of Arts in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology from Murray State University. Through her work in conservation education, faculty development, and graduate education, she has made a lasting impact on students and colleagues across the university.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Dr. Burger on this well-deserved achievement and wishing her continued success in her new role.

07/31/2026

Why Conservation Education?

Many environmental challenges are not simply ecological problems. They are human challenges that require informed decisions, behavior change, collaboration, and public engagement.

Conservation education helps people:
• Understand complex environmental issues
• Build stewardship ethics and values
• Develop skills to solve real-world problems
• Connect science with action

The Master of Science in Conservation Education prepares professionals to design, deliver, and evaluate educational programs that make a measurable impact on individuals, communities, and natural resources.

What inspired your passion for conservation?

07/28/2026

🌎🍃 Happy World Nature Conservation Day! 🍃🌎

Today is a reminder that small actions can make a big difference in protecting our natural resources, conserving wildlife habitat, and creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Here are 3 simple tips to help conserve resources and reduce waste:
💧 Turn Off the Tap – Save water by turning it off when not in use and collecting excess water for plants.
💡 Turn Off the Lights – Switch off lights when they're not needed to save energy and reduce your environmental footprint.
♻️ Avoid Single-Use Plastics – Choose reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, shopping bags, and dishware whenever possible.

Together, these everyday habits can help protect the lands, waters, and wildlife we all depend on while building a greener, healthier future. 🌱🐻🦋

🌱 What is your favorite way to help conserve natural resources?

12/08/2025

We are so excited to announce that the Master of Science in Conservation Education in the College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University has been accredited by the North American Association of Environmental Education! Receiving this standing after a rigorous evaluation process is a strong statement of the quality of our educational program. Check it out:

MSU conservation education master’s program earns prestigious accreditation Contact: Vanessa Beeson STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University’s online Master of Science in Conservation Education degree program has earned accreditation from the North American Association for Environmental ...

08/20/2025

Here's an example of an outcome from conservation education -- construction of a bat house near the Mississippi State University campus, guided by several terms of student leaders in the Mississippi State University Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society and supported by faculty, administrators, and student grant programs.

It is very encouraging to see education that leads to action and positive change!