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About the Wildlife Studies Certificate Program

The National Zoo is not just for kids! Whether you want to spice up your resume or just pursue an interest in wildlife, adult classes at the Zoo provide an insider's look at animal behavior, conservation, and ecology.

The Wildlife Studies Certificate Program (WSCP) offers adults interested in conservation and zoological research the opportunity to gain expertise about the issues and science important to wildlife and their habitats. Through the WSCP, adults learn about connections between worldwide ecological processes and the conservation and research done here at the Zoo. Courses are taught by scientists and researchers from the Zoo and other area science and government organizations.

To earn the certificate, participants must take a total of six classes, including three core classes and three electives. One class in each of three categories must be taken to satisfy the core requirements: animal behavior, conservation, and ecology. *The three electives may be chosen from any of these or other categories. Classes will occasionally be offered that do not qualify as a core class, but will count toward the elective requirement.

Completion of any class in the WSCP automatically enrolls the registrant in the program. There is no time requirement for completing the certificate requirements.

Cancellation policy: A 75-percent refund will be issued if notification is received by the FONZ membership office via email, fax, or mail at least two weeks prior to the start of a class. No refunds or changes will be made thereafter.

*The ecology requirement replaces the veterinary studies requirement. Current participants may fulfill the requirement with a class in either category.