This minor field is oriented to any graduate student who wants to develop interdisciplinary approaches to helping solve real-world problems in conservation and development. The field was formed in response to the increasing challenges facing society to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of growing human populations while maintaining the ecological integrity of natural ecosystems and enhancing the long-term sustainability of food, forage, and fiber production systems. Solutions to today's conservation and development problems will continue to elude a single disciplinary approach; instead holistic perspectives and interdisciplinary research and development approaches are needed.

An indication of the interdisciplinary nature of the field is reflected in the diversity of its faculty members. Field requirements are participation in a core course (Critical Issues in Conservation and Sustainable Development); completion of at least two recommended electives; and involvement in an interdisciplinary problem-solving research or development experience.