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The conservation and recovery of endangered species such as sea turtles require a solid understanding of their biology and ecology. Recognizing the important ecological roles sea turtles play can inform the development of effective management strategies at local, regional, and global levels. This introductory course explores the biology, behavior, and conservation of sea turtles through engaging lectures and class discussions. Topics include life history, physiology, ecological functions, major threats, and current conservation status. Participants also learn about the protocols and techniques used to monitor sea turtle nesting activity and assess reproductive success.
An optional 4-day field experience where learners join instructor Dr. Melania López-Castro for hands-on sea turtle research in Mexico is offered, with a maximum of 10 participants, at an additional cost. Learners visit a key nesting beach on the Yucatán Peninsula and actively participate in a long-term monitoring program, collecting field data, and contributing to database creation and management. Whether you're a student, researcher, or otherwise passionate about wildlife, this course offers a unique opportunity to both learn and make a difference.
Completing both the field experience and online course is equivalent to 2 credits total.
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Online Course Only:
Learn at your own pace with instructor support (see Online Course Format Chart below for details).
Winter: February 17 – May 10, 2026 (Early bird ends January 18th)
From $425 depending on format. Early bird saves $75 on the online course
Online + Field Course Combo:
Online course as described above.
Field course July 13-16, 2026, in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
Tuition:
Student or unemployed: $2,575 STANDARD; $2,725 PREMIUM
Currently employed: $2,775 STANDARD; $2,925 PREMIUM
Costs include 5 nights in hotel accommodation (2 nights Mérida, 3 nights El Cuyo). Participants are responsible for their own travel to/from Mérida, Mexico.
Pay $250 deposit now; remaining tuition due 30 days before the field course starts.
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There are no prerequisites for the online course.
Field course participants must also enroll in the online course.
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Online Course:
Introduction to sea turtle biology and marine adaptations
Ecological roles and current conservation status
Feeding and diet
Nesting, migration, and navigation
Methods to monitor sea turtle nesting
Conservation and management
Field Course:
Introduction to the field site
Sea turtle nesting monitoring
Field logistics
Night patrolling
Data collection on females and nests
Analysis of nest residuals
Data entry and database management
Data analysis — female average size, hatching, and emergence success
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Below is the planned itinerary for the field course. The schedule is subject to change due to weather and various other factors.
Day 1 — Arrive in Mérida
Day 2 — Travel to El Cuyo, begin field activities
Days 3-4 — Field activities continue
Day 5 — Return to Mérida
COURSE OPTIONS & INFORMATION (Review chart above, then click below)
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FORMAT:
3 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace
Get instructor support for the 3-month term via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments
After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society
4 CEUs in Category I(a): Scientific Education and Training with the Ecological Society of America
Go to our Continuing Education Page for more details
CERTIFICATIONS:
Earn 1 credit toward certification as an Ecologist (at any level) with Ecological Society of America
Earn 1 credit toward certification as an Associate/Certified Wildlife Biologist® (at any level) with The Wildlife Society
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FORMAT:
12 months of access to course materials as you work at your own pace
Get instructor support for the 3-month term via email, discussion threads, group meetings, and one-on-one appointments
After working through the course materials, set up an optional meeting with the instructor to discuss your own personal project from work or school
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
16 CEUs with The Wildlife Society
4 CEUs in Category I(a): Scientific Education and Training with the Ecological Society of America
Go to our Continuing Education Page for more details
CERTIFICATIONS:
Earn 1 credit toward certification as an Ecologist (at any level) with Ecological Society of America
Earn 1 credit toward certification as an Associate/Certified Wildlife Biologist® (at any level) with The Wildlife Society
Earn 1 credit towards a professional certificate in Applied Quantitative Ecology with CWS
Earn an additional 1-2 academic credits with an Applied Project
Go to our Academic Credit Page for details
Coordinator of the Sea Turtle Conservation Program at Pronatura Península de Yucatán
SCHOLARSHIPS
Full scholarships are available to participants from countries designated as “lower income” and “lower middle income” in the World Bank List of Economies. Please see our CWS World Scholars Program page for details.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Online Course: Cancellations 30 days or more before the start date are not subject to cancellation fees. Cancellations <30 days before the start date are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds once the course begins.
Field Course: The remaining tuition balance is due 60 days prior to the field course start date. For cancellations <60 days before the start date, the deposit is non-refundable and the remaining balance paid on tuition is subject to a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds once the course begins.