Wildlife Biology Associate Degree Programs

<p>Prior to beginning an associate's degree program, schools encourage you to take courses in biological and chemical sciences, math and physics. During the program, you'll need to complete general education courses, such as social and natural sciences, humanities, mathematics and communication. Many schools provide academic and career counseling to ensure you receive the necessary education to fulfill your career goals or transfer to a 4-year bachelor's program. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Requirements</b></td><td>Basic science, humanities, and mathematics courses</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Potential Concentrations</b></td><td>Fisheries, zoology, forestry</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td>Entry-level wildlife positions or transfer to advanced degree program</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td>Most programs require on-campus study</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)*</b></td><td> $66,350 (for zoologists and wildlife biologists)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)*</b></td><td> 4% (for zoologists and wildlife biologists)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3> <p>Many associate's degree programs allow you to concentrate your studies in a particular area of wildlife management and select electives related to your chosen discipline, such as fisheries, zoology and forestry. Core courses teach you about the life cycles of plants and animals, including history, diseases, lifespan and behavior traits. You may also participate in an internship with a conservation or natural resource management facility. Although your curriculum may vary by area of interest, typical topics of study may include: </p> <ul><li>Ecological concepts and principles </li><li>Study of soil science </li><li>Research and theory of aging </li><li>Biological cycles of organisms and ecosystems </li><li>Stream and watershed ecology </li><li>Managing animal populations </li><li>Fisheries management </li><li>Identification and classification of plants </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithMyDegree">What Can I Do With My Degree?</h3> <p>Earning an associate's degree in wildlife biology trains you for entry-level job opportunities, such as wildlife biology research assistant, parks and wildlife aide, soil and water conservationist and forest manager. Several schools offer a transfer option to a bachelor's degree program that may prepare you for advanced research or management positions. </p> <p>According to O*Net, wildlife biologists can expect an employment growth rate of 3-4% between 2019-2029 (<i>online.onetcenter.org</i>). In 2020, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the annual median wage for wildlife biologists was $66,350, though the majority of those held bachelor's or master's degrees (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h3 id="section---CanIEarnMyDegreeOnline">Can I Earn My Degree Online?</h3> <p>Although many schools offer wildlife biology associate's degree programs on campus, they're typically not offered online. Bachelor's and master's degree programs in wildlife science or wildlife and fisheries management may be offered through distance learning, but the foundational education offered in an associate's degree wildlife biology program typically includes fieldwork and requires on-campus learning.</p>