Wildlife Sciences and Management
Overview
Wildlife sciences and management programs teach people to manage and conserve habitats and ecosystems for animals.Wildlife sciences and management programs include topics such as:
- Wildlife biology
- Marine and aquatic biology
- Environmental science
- Freshwater and saltwater ecosystems
- Natural resources management and policy
- Outdoor recreation and parks management
- Wildlife rehabilitation
- Environment and resource conservation
- Environmental laws and regulations
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in wildlife sciences and management. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in wildlife sciences and management. Wildlife sciences and management programs may be found in a number of different departments. These include wildlife and fisheries, conservation biology, environmental biology, or ecology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Many universities offer graduate degrees in wildlife sciences and management. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Conservation Biology
- Ecology
- Entomology
- Environmental Biology
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Studies
- Marine Biology
- Natural Resources Conservation
- Natural Resources Policy and Management
- Wildlife Biology
- Zoology and Animal Biology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Algebra
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- General Computer Applications
- Geometry
- Natural Resources Management
- Wildlife Management
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Biology
- Undergraduate degree in zoology, biology, or environmental studies
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Animal Behavior
- Business Management
- Ecology
- Economics
- Endangered Species
- Fisheries Science
- Forest Science
- Microbiology
- Natural Resources Management and Conservation
- Park Management
- Political Science
- Species Management
- Watershed Hydrology
- Wildlife Habitat
- Wildlife Population Management
- Wildlife Science
Graduate Program Courses
A graduate program in wildlife sciences and management typically includes courses such as the following:
- Research Methods in Wildlife Biology
- Quantitative Ecology
- Population Biology
- Habitat Management
- Resource Economics and Policy
In addition, graduate programs typically require the following:
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Many programs encourage you to volunteer with local parks, nature organizations, and government wildlife protection and management agencies.
With a degree in this field, you can work in a variety of areas. You can manage state and national parks, zoos, or wildlife refuges. You can work in the natural environment, monitoring wildlife habitats and studying endangered species.
Schools
East Side Area
Central Washington University
- Cultural and Environmental Resource Management
Walla Walla Community College
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Science
Washington State University - Pullman
- Wildlife Ecology & Conservation Sciences--Directed Studies
King-Snohomish Area
Green River College
- Natural Resources--Pre-Professional
University of Washington - Seattle
- Environmental and Forest Sciences--Environmental Science & Resource Management Management
- Environmental and Forest Sciences--Graduate Program
Spokane Area
Spokane Community College
- Natural Resource Management--Wildlife/Fisheries
Tacoma Area
Tacoma Community College
- Wildlife Biology Pre-Major
West Side Area
Centralia College
- Natural Resource Management Pre-Major
Grays Harbor College
- Natural Resource--Forestry Technician
Yakima Area
Heritage University
- Natural Resources