Our Programs
Certification programs
The Wildlife Society is the only organization to provide the peer-reviewed wildlife biologist certification process that bestows the title of Associate Wildlife Biologist® and Certified Wildlife Biologist®. Learn more about this members-only program and log into your membership portal to see which of your colleagues and peers have already achieved this professional standing.
Learn MoreProfessional Development Certificate Program
This program recognizes TWS members who commit themselves to life-long learning and enhanced professionalism in a wide variety of professional development activities. Learn more about this program and the requirements for applying to see if you may qualify.
Learn MoreLeadership Institute
The Leadership Institute is an annual course established in 2006 to provide a select group of 10-15 early-career professionals with leadership training. Throughout the 6-month program, participants will engage with mentors, work collaboratively to understand a wide array of leadership styles and perspectives, develop stronger written and verbal communication skills and learn how to better navigate the conservation field. Learn more about this program and how to apply.
Learn MoreOnline Courses and Distance Learning Opportunities
When you can’t be in the classroom, online courses, workshops, webinars and distance learning opportunities can enhance your knowledge and development. Check out our Online Courses and Distance Learning page for more information.
Learn MoreNative Student Professional Development Program
The Wildlife Society and Native Peoples’ Wildlife Management Working Group of TWS, with support from multiple federal agencies and tribal organizations, implemented a competitive Native Student Professional Development (NSPD) Program to promote the early development of indigenous wildlife professionals. Learn more about this program and how to apply.
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Native American Research Assistantship Program
The Native American Research Assistantship Program – developed collaboratively with U.S. Forest Service (USFS) – facilitates opportunities for Native American students to be mentored by USFS Research & Development (R&D) scientists and promotes student advancement and training for careers in natural resource and conservation-related fields.
Applications for summer 2023 will be available November 2022. You can find more detailed information on the assistantship and application requirements by viewing the position posting. Any questions can be directed to Jamila Blake, AWB®, professional development manager at TWS (jblake@wildlife.org; 301-897-9770 x 307).
Annual Conference
The Wildlife Society’s Annual Conference enables students and professionals to learn, connect, and engage through educational sessions, training workshops, and networking events. Attendance at professional meetings encourages science-sharing and potential collaboration opportunities with thousands of experts and colleagues from around North America and the world.
The Wildlife Society will allow a maximum of 44 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in Category I of the Certified Wildlife Biologist® Renewal/Professional Development Certificate Program for participation in TWS’ 2022 Annual Conference.
Travel Grants
The Wildlife Society, along with many TWS Chapters, Sections, and Working Groups, offer travel grants (mostly to students, but some are available to professionals) to attend the TWS Annual Conference and other TWS-related meetings.
Resources & Information
Pre-approved Continuing Education Credits
The Wildlife Society works with a number of organizations to ensure that a variety of educational opportunities qualify for credit hours for TWS Certification Renewal or the Professional Development Certificate Program. Learn more about how your meeting, workshop, or event can be pre-approved by TWS for Continuing Education Units.
Learn MoreWildlife Degrees and Courses
Looking for information on academic programs offering wildlife degrees or online course offerings? You’ll find that information in our Career Development section.
Learn MoreCWB®/AWB® Directory
The Wildlife Society’s CWB®/AWB® Directory has been merged with our new TWS Network Online Directory. Members can look up the certification status of fellow wildlife professionals by logging into their account and going to the Online Directory under “Resources”. Non-members, please send an email to certification@wildlife.org.
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If you can’t find the answer to your questions about professional development and the programs listed, check out the Certification FAQs page or contact certification@wildlife.org.