Best 19 Wildlife Biology Degree Programs
Our Ranking Methodology
The wildlife biology degree programs ranked above include a cross-section of available programs throughout the United States. These wildlife biology degree programs have been ranked and listed by each schools tuition costs, with the most affordable wildlife biology degree programs listed first.
Each school offering these wildlife biology degree programs includes a hyperlink to the wildlife biology degree programs plus this additional information obtained from each programs proprietary website and the National Center for Education Statistics website.
- Tuition fees are noted on a per-semester basis for 15 semester credits unless otherwise noted. Tuition costs represent the costs to attend the school for the school year 2020 to 2021 or 2019 to 2020, if noted.
- The number of semester credits required indicates to potential students the depth of the program and the requirements to meet to earn one of the noted wildlife biology degree programs.
- The accreditation information is offered to help students understand which sanctioned accrediting bodies have reviewed and accredited the school or the program in question.
Concerns About a School or Programs Ranking?
Would you like to update the information denoted above? Please reach out to BestValueSchools.org to comment or edit the information detailed in the rankings above.
Universities And Colleges Offering Degrees In Wildlife
There are many schools in North American that have special curricula related to the fields of wildlife conservation and management.
that weve compiled to assist you in your search.
Colleges and universities use a variety of approaches in educating students in wildlife conservation and management some offer named degrees in wildlife, others have a wildlife major option, and still others have neither named degrees nor a major option in wildlife, but offer wildlife courses.
Songbird banding, Bridget Sousa
Each institution on our list provided the initial information on its wildlife program. The list may not be complete, and shouldnt be interpreted as any type of accreditation or endorsement by The Wildlife Society.
Prospective students are encouraged to incorporate certification by The Wildlife Society into their higher education plans. Educational requirements for certification are listed in the certification application and Wildlife Biologist Certification Program Policies & Procedures Manual.
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Find Scholarships For Wildlife Biology Majors
Your high school achievements can both fuel and fund your success at Hastings. We offer a range of generous and renewable academic scholarships based on your GPA. Plus talent scholarships for everything from speech to the arts to athletics are available. Every student receives at least $12,000 in scholarships .
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How To Become A Wildlife Biologist
Youll need at least a bachelors degree in wildlife biology, wildlife conservation, wildlife management, or a similar life sciences degree if you want to work as a wildlife scientist. Only a few schools and institutions around the country offer these programs.
Youll study animal anatomy and physiology, statistics, writing, mathematics, and wildlife management as an undergraduate. If you seek a masters degree or above, youll be responsible for doing your own thesis research under the supervision of a professor and publishing the results in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
The majority of people pay for their undergraduate degrees. This can be paid for with your own money, scholarships, or student loans. If at all possible, avoid taking out student loans because the payments youll have to repay once you graduate may be greater than you can afford depending on your income.
As a teaching assistant or research assistant, though, its usual to get a tuition waiver and a basic living stipend once youve earned a masters degree or higher. You wont have to pay for your graduate degree this way.
Ohio State University Athens Oh
Ohio State University prepares students for careers as specialists in conservation, wildlife biology, zoology, and ecology. The curriculum corresponds with requirements of the state and federal agencies for these positions. Prospective students need to know the following:
- The students can personalize their curriculum to specialize in various fields of study in Biology, as well as environmental studies.
- The curriculum offered corresponds to the requirements for the Environmental Studies Certificate.
- The courses cover Plant Sciences, Zoology, Ecology, Genetics, as well as laboratory classes.
- A biological internship is required for degree completion.
- There is an undergraduate research immersion program offered by the Ohio Center for Ecology and Environmental Studies.
Ohio State University Wildlife and Conservation Biology
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Wildlife And Fisheries Management
This degree program combines ecology and biology studies with the social sciences. Students pursuing this major enjoy a great deal of experiential learning and spend a significant percentage of their time outdoors.
Hands-on courses will allow you to gain the skills needed to be a wildlife biologist.
Most Popular Schools For Wildlife Biology Major & Degree Program
A program that focuses on the application of biological principles to the study of vertebrate wildlife, wildlife habitats, and related ecosystems in remote and urban areas. Includes instruction in animal ecology adaptational biology urban ecosystems natural and artificial habitat management limnology wildlife pathology and vertebrate zoological specializations such as mammalogy, herpetology, ichthyology, ornithology, and others.
Looking for online degree programs? Get the facts on accredited college degree programs online!
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Wildlife Biology Bachelors Degree: What Should You Major In
Helping wildlife is a worthy goal that requires a solid foundation in biological and environmental sciences. If you want to know how to become a wildlife biologist, the first step is to research your education options.
Wildlife biologists start by earning degrees in areas such as Wildlife Biology, Wildlife and Fisheries Management,Captive Wildlife Care and Education, and Wildlife Conservation.
Go Further With A Hastings Education
Thanks to our small class sizes , and a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, youll work closely with faculty and your advisor to complete your degree in four years. In fact, most students who graduate from Hastings do so in four years!
Our block-style semester structure means youll take just one or two classes at a time which really lets you focus more intently on each class. It also lets faculty devote more time to every student because theyre only teaching one or two classes in a block!
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Colorado State University Fort Collins Co
Wildlife and conservation biology major program is offered at the Warner College of Natural resources and has the highest ranking at College Raptor site at present. The main features of the program are:
- There are several concentrations offered: wildlife biology, fisheries, aquatic science, and conservation biology.
- The students learn to gather data on terrestrial and aquatic species behavior, distribution, genetics, and physiology.
- Another essential part of the curriculum is learning different approaches for the remediation of the environment.
- The college is involved in preparing public policies on environmental protection.
- For the practical studies, the college invites students to their cooperative fish and wildlife unit, as well as the Larval Fish laboratory.
Colorado State University Fort Collins Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Major
All The Extras Aren’t Extra
No-cost study abroad During your third year on campus, youll spend a transformational two-week block studying abroad. And thanks to donors, youll experience this at no additional cost. France, Ireland, Peru, Spain, Honduras, the United Kingdomwhere will you go?
Books included Afraid of a $400 textbook? No more! Weve eliminated the high cost of text books by working with our bookstore to provide all required textbooks. This will save you $1,000 or more each year.
iPad + Apple Pencil Well set you up with an iPad and Apple Pencil and help you learn how to best incorporate these tools into your studies. From digital notes to pictures of lab setups, professors and students find creative, new ways to use this perfect combination of technology and teaching every semester!
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This Program Is A Great Fit For Students With A Passion For Wildlife And The Outdoors Looking For Research Conservation Or Environmental Careers
Students will have many opportunities to get outside while studying Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology. After sophomore year, students spend six weeks in the field at Summer Camp, an experience unique to the College of Natural Resources at NC State. During this unforgettable summer, students learn hands-on fish and wildlife management techniques in locations across the state. From plant and animal identification and bird mist netting to camera-trapping and radio telemetry, students gain experiences that prepare them for careers after graduation. Throughout the year, class field trips include behind-the-scenes exploration of the Smithsonian, animal autopsies at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine and overnight trips to the Smoky Mountains.
The student-run Leopold Wildlife Club and Student Fisheries Society provide opportunities for professional development, networking and social events. With a number of natural resources agencies located within 20 minutes of NC States campus, students have access to a variety of valuable internship opportunities. Students also gain hands-on work experience and internships at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh, the largest natural science museum in the Southeast, and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, headquartered on NC States campus. Students in the wildlife concentration graduate with the coursework necessary for the Associate Wildlife Biologist Certification from The Wildlife Society.
Schools Offering Wildlife Biology Programs
In wildlife biology programs, various disciplines, including mathematics, chemistry, and ecology, are applied to the study of numerous organisms, including animals, in their habitats. Students who complete a doctoral or masters program in wildlife biology can choose from popular career options such as researchers, educators, soil conservationists, endangered species specialists, habitat managers, pest control professionals, and game wardens. In this article, we take a look at some of the best wildlife biology graduate programs in the United States.
University of MinnesotaTwin Cities Minneapolis, MN
The U.S. News and World Report accorded the 34th rank in 2014 to the University of Minnesotas graduate programs in biology. Schools offer wildlife biology as a concentration via its natural resources science and management program. The program strongly emphasizes conservation through the sustainable maintenance of mammalian, aviary, and fish resources.
Program coursework in the Master of Science in Wildlife Ecology and Management program includes topics on invertebrates, fish physiology, avian conservation, and wildlife handling and immobilization. Prospective students who seek careers in research or academia would benefit from enrolling in a Doctor of Philosophy in Wildlife Ecology and Management.
University of Arizona Tucson, AZ
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Should You Pursue An Advanced Degree In Wildlife Biology
Gaining experience as a wildlife biologist can be difficult. For many organizations, the barriers to entry are quite high. However, many employers consider advanced degrees to be the equivalent of real-world experience. A masters degree is equal to one year of experience, while a doctorate is equal to two years.
Committing to continuing your education beyond a bachelors degree can help you get that much closer to landing your dream job. If you are interested in a wildlife research position, you will need to pursue a masters and Ph.D.
Other ways to gain the experience you will need include working for a state or federal agency as a wildlife biologist. You may need to work on a volunteer basis, which although difficult financially, could pay dividends in relevant experience and help you gain the skills you need to become a professional wildlife biologist.
Check with the National Parks Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or your states environmental or wildlife agency to see whether they offer unpaid volunteer or paid positions to wildlife biologists.
The Value Of A Wildlife Biology Career
Becoming a wildlife biologist is tough. You’ll need to be willing to make sacrifices, whether it be living away from your family for months at a time, dealing with rejection, or watching your peers advance their careers more quickly.
That said, if you’re willing to deal with these issues and the natural world is important to you, a career in wildlife biology can be one of the most rewarding there is. You might be able to say that you helped an endangered species survive, that you sparked an interest in wildlife among children, or that you helped balance the natural world with that of the human world â all while having a blast.
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Wildlife And Conservation Biology
Welcome to Wildlife and Conservation Biology!
The goal of the Wildlife and Conservation Biology program at Murray State University is to provide you with knowledge and skills required to become effective natural resource professionals. We aim for you to use the knowledge and skills you acquire to aide in the management and conservation of natural resources, particularly wildlife, for current and future generations. Obtaining your B.S. in Wildlife and Conservation Biology from Murray State University will prepare you for careers including:
- Managing wildlife on federal, state, and private lands as a wildlife biologist
- Working with non-profit organizations or zoos to conserve wildlife
- Conducting research on wildlife to inform management and conservation efforts
- Working as a conservation officer to protect wildlife and natural resources
- Educating the public about wildlife conservation.
Based on your career interests, you can choose from 5 tracks within the Wildlife and Conservation Biology major. Students who complete any of these tracks are well qualified to compete for positions with federal, state, private, or non-profit organizations and admission to graduate programs. Your first course at Murray State University, Introduction to Wildlife Conservation and Biology , will help you decide your career interests and what track you should choose.
Fisheries Wildlife And Conservation Biology Graduate Programs
Many of our students choose to continue their research and education by pursuing graduate degrees at universities, such as Clemson, Auburn and Virginia Tech.
- For students interested in seeking a graduate degree in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at NC State, we offer intercollegiate programs with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine:
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Do Challenging Valuable Work
Through a sequence of courses, youll build upon the basic biology major by examining diverse organisms and biological phenomena. This will equip you for a career in wildlife management at a state or national park, in research at a laboratory or in resource management on a farm. Youll have knowledge of the details and of the broader picture of wildlife in society.
Associate Wildlife Biologist Certification
The most successful wildlife biologists continue their education after earning their bachelors degrees. The Wildlife Society not only provides Continuing Education Unit but also offers certification to individuals who qualify.
Professional certification as an associate wildlife biologist can help you stand out among peers and attract the attention of highly desirable employers.
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Should You Get Certified As A Certified Wildlife Biologist
Associate Wildlife Biologist Certification is a great start, but to truly succeed in this competitive field, you will need to become a Certified Wildlife Biologist. Like Associate certification, Certified Wildlife Biologist certification is available through The Wildlife Society.
Once you receive your certification, it will remain valid for five years. To make a real impact on the world and its wildlife populations, you will need to make politicians sit up and take notice. As a Certified Wildlife Biologist, you will have the kind of credibility necessary for influencing policymakers and leaders.
For an animal lover, a career helping animals as a wildlife biologist is a smart choice. Understanding how to become a wildlife biologist is an important first step toward this highly challenging yet rewarding career.
Wildlife Biology And Management
Agricultural Economics – Minor
A minor is a structured group of courses that leads to considerable knowledge and understanding of a subject, although with less depth than a major. Some employers consider minors desirable, and the corresponding major requirements at the University may stipulate a minor. Some students choose to complement their major program with a minor in a related field or even in an entirely different field of interest. Students interested in pursuing an academic minor should contact their college deans office and the department responsible for the minor program for guidance and advising.
The Wildlife Biology and Management Minor compliments a variety of degree programs at the University of Kentucky. The program is ideal for students planning to pursue careers in conservation, resource management, ecology, husbandry and more.
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University Of Michigan Flint Mi
The Wildlife Biology program at the University of Michigan is considered a signature degree. The program offers the following opportunities to its students:
- The program consists of a mix of essential theoretical courses, field experience, and wildlife management methods.
- The required coursework includes chemistry, physics, mathematics, communication, and humanities.
- There are unique courses in Biology, such as Plant-Animal Interactions, Forest Vegetation identification, and Forest Ecology offered at the university.
- Fieldwork opportunities are available to students at the Great Lakes and wider Michigan region.
- The ultimate goal of the program is to prepare the students for entry-level positions at state and federal agencies devoted to wildlife study and management.
- The faculty collaborates with several universities, Native American Tribes, Busch garden, and Detroit Zoo.
University of Michigan Wildlife Biology
The University Of Wyoming Laramie Wy
The Wildlife and Fisheries Biology and Management program is focused on wildlife and fishery resources management, with an emphasis on ecology and evolution.
- The program combines basic core subjects with intensive training in fisheries/wildlife management.
- Their degree includes optional specialized courses in management, wildlife law, science journalism, renewable resources.
- During the Junior and Senior years, the students would be able to choose a specialization in either aquatic or terrestrial species.
- The facilities include:
- University of Wyoming National Park research center.
- Jenkins Microscopy facility.
UW Wildlife and Fisheries Biology And Management
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