The following is distributed jointly by the University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College

Charlottetown, PE - The University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College have developed a joint Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation program that is set to begin in September.

Students who have graduated from the two-year Wildlife Conservation Technology diploma program at Holland College are now eligible to apply for entry into the new degree program at UPEI. They will be required to complete two years of study within the department of biology in the Faculty of Science.

The Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation program combines the practical, theoretical, and analytical strengths of existing courses provided by Holland College and the University of Prince Edward Island for students interested in obtaining more rigorous training in wildlife conservation. Increased knowledge of the scientific and social issues involved in conservation management, combined with a more complete set of analytical skills, will provide graduating students with the tools necessary to address the complexity of problems in this increasingly important field.

"This new program is an excellent opportunity for our two provincial post-secondary institutions to offer a unique learning experience for students. We expect it to attract attention well beyond the shores of PEI," says Dr. Christian Lacroix, UPEI Dean of Science.

"Agreements such as this provide Holland College students with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of their chosen field" says Ben Hoteling, Learning Manager for the Wildlife Conservation Technology program at Holland College. "The Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation program will enable our graduates to enter the workforce fully equipped for the challenges ahead."

UPEI and Holland College have developed numerous educational partnerships for which both institutions are recognized nationally.

For more information about the Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation program, contact the office of the Dean of Science at UPEI at (902) 566-0382.