Undergraduate, Graduate, and Professional Opportunities and Training
National Zoo staff and research associates have offered training courses, in the United States and at more than 20 international locations on a variety of topics for over three decades. During this time, more than 5,000 individuals from more than 85 countries have taken part in such efforts.
The National Zoo provides a variety of training and capacity building programs for undergraduate, graduate and professional audiences, while specifically targeting individuals and institutions from developing countries and underserved communities.
Training and capacity building objectives include:
- Offer training opportunities including symposia, workshops, courses, semesters, and certificate and degree programs to enhance individual knowledge, skills, and tools.
- Provide long-term capacity building assistance to promising individuals and
collaborating foreign institutions. - Train in-country trainers to provide ongoing capacity building in their home
institutions and countries. - Partner with other organizations and agencies to enhance existing initiatives and fill gaps.
- Establish collaborative centers for conservation studies specifically designed to address the research, training, and environmental education needs of the area, country, or region.
Undergraduate Opportunities
The Zoo offers multiple opportunities for undergraduates to connect with Smithsonian research and resources. The Zoo’s Conservation and Research Center hosts an extraordinary residential semester program for junior- and senior-level undergraduate students to learn about conservation first-hand. Participants can earn 16 credit hours through the Smithsonian-Mason Global Conservation Studies Program. In addition, various short courses are planned for the summer and holiday sessions.
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Graduate and Professional Courses and Certificates
Individual courses and certificate programs are available to graduate students and professionals in the United States and abroad. A new conservation curriculum, offering graduate credit, continuing education units and professional certificates, is being introduced through the Smithsonian-Mason Global Conservation Studies Program. In addition, the National Zoo’s various Centers of Excellence conduct a number of other courses throughout the year. Tailor-made programs are also available. more
Teacher/Educator Training
Basic and advanced training opportunities allow teachers to study with Zoo scientists, discover new ways to help students learn, improve the quality of field trips, and build their capacity to understand and teach complex subjects in the fields of conservation, wildlife management, ecology, and biotechnology in the classroom and in nature. more
Internship and Fellowship Opportunities
Various internships and fellowships are available for individuals seeking a more in-depth, hands-on learning experience. Opportunities exist through the various zoo departments and typically last a minimum of three months. 
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Conferences, Seminars, and Workshops
A variety of short conferences, seminars, and workshops introduce students, community members, teachers, and professionals to relevant conservation topics and sustainable actions. Some of these opportunities may provide the option of earning credit or continuing education units. more
