This specialization provides a comprehensive exploration of wetland science, covering ecological principles, human impacts, regulatory frameworks, and conservation strategies. Learners will develop skills in wetland delineation, mitigation, and policy analysis while examining case studies and real-world applications. With insights from industry partners, this program prepares professionals to navigate wetland management challenges and implement sustainable solutions.
Wetland Science and Conservation Specialization
Wetland Science and Conservation Specialization
Explore the Sustainable Management of Wetlands. Examine the role of ecology, policy, and practice for sustainable management of vital wetland ecosystems.
Instructors: Jeffrey W. Matthews, Ph.D.
Included with 
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
(5 reviews)
Intermediate level
Some related experience required
2 months at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers
Get in-depth knowledge of a subject
(5 reviews)
Intermediate level
Some related experience required
2 months at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Earn a career credential
Share your expertise with employers
What you'll learn
Analyze wetland ecosystems and assess the impact of human activities on their structure and function.
Interpret and apply wetland regulations from local to global scales to support conservation and compliance efforts.
Develop strategies for wetland restoration, mitigation, and sustainable management through scientific and policy-driven approaches.
Overview
Skills you'll gain
- Community Outreach
- Water Resource Management
- Environmental Engineering
- Natural Resource Management
- Environment and Resource Management
- Social Sciences
- Environmental Monitoring
- Water Resources
- Policy Analysis
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Case Studies
- Water Quality
- Environmental Engineering and Restoration
- Environmental Issue
- Environmental Laws
- Climate Change Adaptation
- Cultural Diversity
- Hydrology
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Land Management
What’s included
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Taught in English
36 practice exercises
Advance your subject-matter expertise
- Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
- Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
- Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
- Earn a career certificate from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Specialization - 6 course series
What you'll learn
Major components of wetlands, including their formation and hydrology
Types of plants and animals that utilize wetland habitats and their adaptations to this environment
Structure and function of wetlands and the importance of their ecosystem services
Skills you'll gain
Hydrology, Biology, Environmental Science, Water Quality, Microbiology, Climate Change Adaptation, Environment, Water Resources, and Natural Resource Management
What you'll learn
How current U.S. laws and regulations govern human impacts on wetlands.
The impact that human activities have on wetland ecosystem services and functions.
Skills you'll gain
Environmental Regulations, Environmental Policy, Environmental Science, Environmental Laws, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Engineering and Restoration, Water Resources, Water Resource Management, Natural Resource Management, Interviewing Skills, and Climate Change Adaptation
What you'll learn
Recall the steps involved in wetland delineation and the resources available for remote identification.
Explain the importance of hydric soils and hydrophytic vegetation in wetland delineation, and describe the field indicators used in these components.
Apply your knowledge to identify and assess field indicators for hydrology, hydric soils, and vegetation in real-world wetland environments.
Develop wetland delineation reports, incorporating best practices and addressing problematic situations.
Skills you'll gain
Environment and Resource Management, Technical Documentation, Hydrology, Environmental Monitoring, Water Quality, Environmental Science, Laboratory Testing, Geographic Information Systems, Geospatial Information and Technology, Research Reports, Water Resources, and Natural Resource Management
What you'll learn
Apply ecosystem stewardship concepts and technological tools to wetland restoration and conservation.
Create a wetland restoration plan capable of restoring or replacing ecosystem services and functions.
Skills you'll gain
Hydrology, Environmental Engineering and Restoration, Environment and Resource Management, Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Monitoring, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Biology, Water Quality, Land Management, and Water Resource Management
What you'll learn
Contrast federal, state, and local regulatory roles in wetland conservation, focusing on CWA and WOTUS.
Analyze international conservation laws and conventions, including Ramsar, and their link to sustainability.
Evaluate wetland management factors, community participation, and resilience strategies against climate change.
Skills you'll gain
Environmental Laws, Climate Change Adaptation, Environmental Engineering, Environment and Resource Management, Environmental Regulations, Community Development, Governance, Water Resource Management, Sustainable Development, Water Quality, Natural Resource Management, and Environmental Policy
What you'll learn
Analyze the social, political, & cultural factors that influence wetland conservation, including the roles of stakeholders, policy, & governance.
Evaluate strategies for equitable and culturally sensitive stakeholder engagement in wetland management.
Skills you'll gain
Driving engagement, Natural Resource Management, Policy Analysis, Social Sciences, Environment and Resource Management, Community Outreach, Critical Thinking, Stakeholder Engagement, Conflict Management, Cultural Sensitivity, Case Studies, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Cultural Diversity, Environmental Issue, Water Resources, and Governance
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructors
Offered by
Compare with similar products
| Rating | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level | ||||
| Skills | ||||
| Last updated | ||||
| Number of practice exercises | ||||
| Degree eligibility | ||||
| Part of Coursera Plus |
You might also like
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
This specialization consists of six 4-week courses. Each week may take approximately 2 hours.
No, you do not need to take the courses in a specific order.
Although completion of the Coursera Specialization alone is not credit-bearing, each course within the Specialization is a required component of a graduate-level Canvas course that can be "stacked" toward advanced credentials such as an academic (transcriptable) graduate certificate or a degree. If you decide to pursue further education, the credits you earn from this Specialization can be applied toward a formal academic program, provided that you meet all the requirements of admission to the certificate or degree. Learn more about the Wetland Science and Conservation Graduate Certificate.
More questions
Financial aid available,