1. Acquire a sound background in the biological sciences relevant to the ecology and conservation of plants, animals and ecosystems on a global basis.
2. Acquire knowledge of the social, political and economic sciences that relate to both the recognition and solution of conservation problems on a global basis.
3. Understand the causes of conservation problems and be well prepared to develop sound solutions or approaches to these problems that are likely to be acted upon or implemented.
4. Acquire specialized knowledge of a body of literature, including the ability to identify new research opportunities in the field.
5. Acquire mastery in designing, executing, and interpreting research to answer significant questions that have real world applications.
6. Demonstrate ability to conduct research on conservation and disseminate the findings to both the research community and general public.
7. Demonstrate ability to train, manage, and monitor research assistants on a project.
8. Demonstrate a commitment to service in the discipline, including engagement in the profession and society at large.