Adult Classes

The Smithsonian's National Zoo is not just for kids! Whether you want to spice up your resume or just pursue an interest in wildlife, adult classes at the Zoo provide an insider's look at animal behavior, conservation and ecology.

The Wildlife Studies Certificate Program offers adults interested in conservation and zoological research the opportunity to gain expertise about the issues and science important to wildlife and their habitats. Through the WSCP, adults learn about connections between worldwide ecological processes and the conservation and research done here at the Zoo. Courses are taught by scientists and researchers from the Zoo and other area science and government organizations.

To earn the certificate, participants must take a total of six classes, including three core classes and three electives. One class in each of three categories must be taken to satisfy the core requirements: animal behavior, conservation and ecology.* The three electives may be chosen from any of these or other categories. Classes will occasionally be offered that do not qualify as a core class, but will count toward the elective requirement.

*The ecology requirement replaces the veterinary studies requirement. Current participants may fulfill the requirement with a class in either category.