Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences - BS, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Option
Graduates are well equipped for post-baccalaureate study in many life science fields (graduate school programs and human and veterinary medicine) or for direct entry into professions such as wildlife management, fisheries management, environmental impact assessment, aquaculture, natural history museum education, zoological park collection management, public school teaching and urban wildlife management. Employers of recent graduates include state and federal resource agencies, scientific foundations, ranches, hunting and fishing clubs, fish farms, environmental consulting firms, museums and secondary schools.
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation; Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences; and Vertebrate Zoology curriculum options lead to the Bachelor of Science degree. Each student will choose a course of study from among the options within the department’s curricula after consultation with the academic advisor. The chosen option is enhanced by a common departmental “core” of courses necessary for a sound education in the wildlife and fisheries conservation professions.
Students are encouraged to develop an emphasis area within their degree option. To build this emphasis area, students will choose directed electives, from related disciplines, in consultation with their academic advisor and faculty members.
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Option
This option is designed for students interested in the research, management and conservation of wildlife and its ecosystems. This option provides considerable flexibility when designing a degree program and allows students to focus on both terrestrial and aquatic conservation management. Job opportunities are available with state and federal agencies; private land management individuals and companies; state, national and international organizations; zoos and wildlife centers; environmental consulting firms; and as private consultants. In addition, this degree program can prepare students for further graduate school studies in the wildlife and/or fisheries area. Emphasis areas in this option include:
Wildlife Ecology Emphasis
The wildlife ecology emphasis is for students interested in research and management of terrestrial animals and ecosystems, including game, non-game, and endangered species. The ability to be certified is becoming increasingly important for employment. Courses taken can go toward course certification requirements of The Wildlife Society.
Wildlife and Fisheries Management Emphasis
This emphasis is for students interested in understanding and management of both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Courses taken can go toward course certification requirements of both the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society. The ability to be certified is becoming increasingly important for employment.
Conservation Biology Emphasis
This emphasis is for students interested in conservation of the earth’s biodiversity. This emphasis allows the student to focus on various ecological environments and socio-economic aspects including urban and/or wetland conservation.