The Conservation Leadership Program of Study (CLPS) is designed to provide leadership development opportunities for state agencies that do not have the capacity to manage a comprehensive leadership development program. And, it can provide an enhancement opportunity for programs that already exist in state fish and wildlife agencies.

The CLPS is a tool that any fish and wildlife agency can implement to increase the number of individuals prepared to take on the leadership challenges the agency will face in the coming years. This program is not intended to replace other leadership development opportunities. Rather, it should enhance any existing programs already in place within an agency. Furthermore, this program may extend the ability of agencies to provide leadership development programming to geographically dispersed workers. The CLPS uses proven course delivery to enable any fish and wildlife agency to provide cost-effective leadership development opportunities to personnel.

While the online course offerings increase accessibility, the courses are rigorous and typically require at least 5 - 8 hours of effort per course each week. If face-to-face courses are selected for inclusion in the program of study, then they usually involve a one to two-day workshop each.

The CLPS is designed so that participants could complete the requirements in 15 months if enrolled in 2 courses each quarter. If only one course is chosen per quarter, then the program of study could be completed in two and a half years. Participants could complete the program of study sooner if they take elective courses through alternative sources such as workshops offered through their own agencies.  A total of three years will be allowed to complete the program of study.