Introduction to U.S. Wildlife Law & Policy

This course provides a thorough introduction to wildlife policy in the United States. First, students will learn about the motivations behind policy, who creates policy, and why policy is important for wildlife biologists and scientists. Students will also learn about how policy is implemented and enforced in practice and about the different agencies involved. The course also covers several specific wildlife policies that are influential in the United States, including The Lacey Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and others. Throughout the course, we will discuss how these policies influence wildlife management initiatives and vice versa. Students will be asked to think critically and discuss their thoughts in a number of discussion board posts and complete quizzes to gauge their understanding of the material.

Fall: Learn at your own pace from September 2 - November 23, 2025

(Early bird savings of $75 ends August 3rd).

No prerequisites are required for this course.

• Textbook: Freyfogle, Eric & Dale Goble. 2009. Wildlife Law - A Primer.

• Various papers and resources will be introduced throughout the course and uploaded directly to Canvas

Module 1: The Basics of Wildlife Policy

• Describe the levels of government involvement in U.S. wildlife policy.

• Differentiate between types of laws and policies.

• Assess the motivations behind a wildlife policy and how this guides the output.

Module 2: Fish and Game Agencies in the United States

• Describe the different actors and their missions/responsibilities as it relates to wildlife policy.

• Determine which actors are involved in different situations and why.

• Assess the limitations of agency involvement in policy.

Module 3: Early Wildlife Policy

• Describe the Lacey Act and its purpose.

• Explain the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the actors involved.

• Describe the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and assess its effectiveness.

Module 4: Endangered Species Act

• Determine whether a species warrants listing or de-listing from the ESA

• Assess critical habitat designations

• Describe few of the lesser known ESA species in the United States

Module 5: Marine Life

• Describe the purpose of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the species it covers, and the actors involved

• Explain the purpose Magunson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), how it originated, and what protections it offers species.

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 (go to our Continuing Education Page for more details)

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 (go to our Continuing Education Page for more details)

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Earn 1 credit towards a professional certificate in Conservation Planning with CWS

ACADEMIC CREDIT:

• Earn 1 academic credit (go to our Academic Credit Page for details)

• Earn an additional 1-2 academic credits with an Applied Project