Introduction
The major in Wildlife and Fisheries Science is designed for students interested primarily in conservation and management of wildlife and fish species and their habitats. The major provides a broad background in quantification, arts and humanities, physical and biological sciences, and natural resource management. Flexibility in course selection permits students to plan their programs in keeping with their specific interests, goals, and plans for the future. Graduates may pursue graduate-level training in the wildlife and fisheries sciences or careers in management, research, or information and education. The curriculum provides a firm base for graduate study and the opportunity to meet standards established by The Wildlife Society, The American Fisheries Society, and the federal Office of Personnel Management for employment in wildlife and fisheries biology.
Wildlife and fisheries scientists find employment as natural resource biologists, habitat managers, fish or wildlife technicians, conservation officers, environmental educators, research scientists, teachers, and administrators. Students seeking a career as a wildlife or fisheries biologist often pursue a master's degree. Graduates with a bachelor's degree are generally competitive for technician-level jobs in fisheries and wildlife with federal, state, and county agencies, environmental interpretation positions, and private sector jobs (e.g., environmental consultants, animal damage control, etc.).
Bachelor of Science graduates generally find jobs with state and federal agencies or with private firms. Federal agencies that employ wildlife and fisheries biologists include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, National Park Service, Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Environmental Protection Agency. State agencies hire fisheries and wildlife biologists in departments of fish and wildlife, forestry, conservation, and environmental resources. Private firms hire fish and wildlife biologists in the areas of environmental consulting, forest management, animal damage control, and natural resource extraction (e.g., gas, oil, coal, and chemical companies). Nonprofit organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, Audubon Society, Trout Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Quality Deer Management Association, and Ducks Unlimited also hire biologists and environmental educators.
Mission
The mission of the Wildlife and Fisheries Science program is threefold:
- to provide a challenging and comprehensive curriculum in concepts, principles, and techniques of wildlife and fisheries science and natural resource conservation and management;
- to educate future wildlife and fisheries professionals; and
- to increase the awareness of students from all disciplines of the importance of wise stewardship of wildlife, fisheries, and other natural resources.
