Wildlife Biology Schools and Degrees
A degree in wildlife biology will prepare you for a variety of careers, including conservationist, researcher and zoologist. Continue reading to learn what programs are available, what courses are included, how to choose a school and what career options you will have.
What You Need to Know
In a wildlife biology program, you'll take life and animal sciences coursework and participate in field experiences to observe animals in their natural habitat. These programs may also include the study of marine wildlife and exotic birds. After earning a degree, you can pursue careers that directly interact with wildlife, work with environmental conservation groups or perform academic research.
| Degrees | Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, Bachelor, Master and Ph.D. degrees in Wildlife Biology, Master's and Ph.D degrees in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology |
| Certificates | Certificate in Wildlife Management, Graduate Certificate in Fisheries and Wildlife Management |
| Classes | Biology and conservation of marine mammals, ecology of marine and estuarine birds, ichthyology, ornithology, ecological restoration, field sampling of fish and wildlife, applied community and ecosystem biology, fisheries and wildlife conservation |
What Wildlife Biology Programs are Available?
Wildlife biology degrees are available at the associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. Sometimes they are offered along with a related discipline, such as fisheries biology or conservation. Associate degrees in wildlife biology may be offered as part of a bachelor's degree transfer program.
With a typical bachelor's degree, you'll be completing general education and major courses, field experiences and an internship. If you're interested in a research career or an advanced degree in the field, both thesis- and non-thesis master's degree programs are available as well. You can also choose an area of specialization, such as mammalogy, herpetology or ichthyology. At the doctoral level, you'll most likely submit a dissertation and work as a teaching or research assistant.
What Schools Offer Wildlife Biology Programs?
Many different schools offer wildlife biology programs. Here are a handful of examples:
- North Arizona University: Wildlife Ecology and Management Undergraduate Certificate
- Oregon State University: Fisheries Management Graduate Certificate
- Texas State University: Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology and Master of Science in Wildlife Ecology
- University of Montana: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Wildlife Biology
- Tennessee Tech: Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Science
Online programs are also available, although they tend to be rare. You'll most likely find these programs offered at the bachelor's degree level. All of your courses can be completed online, with the exception of any labs, internships and field courses that may be required.
What Courses Will I Take?
The types of classes you take will depend on the degree level you're earning and whether or not the program is offered along with another discipline. In associate degree programs, you might take math, biology, chemistry and social science courses. In bachelor's degree programs, you'll probably take ecology, cell biology, chemistry, botany, forestry, mammalogy, calculus and physics.
In master's degree programs, you may take biopolitics, conservation, biometrics, wildlife policy and habitats, field methods and research. At the doctoral level, you might complete teaching or research assistantships, in addition to the following courses:
- Animal health
- Wildlife laws and capturing techniques
- Population ecology
- Statistical analysis
- Conservation
How Do I Choose a Wildlife Biology School?
Look for schools with instructors who are practicing professionals. These individuals can give you practical, real-world applications and research techniques for wildlife biology. On-the-job experience is also important, so look for schools that offer internships with federal agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. You might also want to consider attending a school located near one of the agency's field offices. You may be able to get hands-on experience prior to entering the workforce.
If you find attending classes on campus time-consuming, you may want to select a program from an online school. These programs typically let you complete coursework at your own pace.
What Kinds of Jobs Can I Get?
The jobs available to you depend on the type of degree you earn and your area of specialization. If you earn a bachelor's degree, you'll most likely qualify for jobs in areas like conservation education or wildlife law enforcement. If you earn an advanced degree, you may qualify for jobs in wildlife management, teaching and academic research. Common career options include fisheries biologist, game warden, conservationist, endangered species specialist, zoologist and wildlife manager.