This introductory online course gives marine mammal researchers a thorough overview of wildlife law & policy in the United States. COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course provides a thorough introduction to wildlife policy in the United States. First, participants will learn about the motivations behind policy, who creates policy, and why policy is important for wildlife biologists and scientists, including those who work with marine mammals. Participants will learn about how policy is implemented and enforced in practice and about the different agencies involved. The course also covers several specific wildlife policies that are influential in the United States, including The Lacey Act and the Endangered Species Act. The final module of the course focuses on marine life and examines the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other relevant marine policy. Throughout the course, we will discuss how these policies influence wildlife management initiatives and vice versa. Participants will be asked to think critically and discuss their thoughts in a number of discussion board posts and complete quizzes to gauge their understanding of the material. DATES: March 2 - May 24, 2026 PRICE: Starts at $425 students/unemployed, $525 employed (early bird* ends February 1) *Early bird discount saves $75! LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE: https://www.centerforwildlifestudies.org/courses/p/us-wildlife-policy [image: Logo] <https://www.centerforwildlifestudies.org/> *Emily J. Uhrig*, PhD Director of Education Center for Wildlife Studies <https://www.centerforwildlifestudies.org/> *Center for Wildlife Studies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose global mission is to deliver **specialized education and conduct science and outreach that advance wildlife conservation.*