Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Wildlife Biology
Majors Overview April 28, 2014The diseases, life processes, and behavior of animals will be studied by wildlife biology majors. In order to determine land’s and water’s effects on the population of animals, they analyze and collect biological data. Wildlife biologists spend many hours writing up reports in offices, as well as a significant amount of time conducting field research outside.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Wildlife Biology
Aspiring wildlife biologists must possess not only a love of the outdoors and wild animals, but must also possess problem-solving skills, self-discipline, physical stamina, and patience, while paying meticulous attention to detail. Coursework in an undergraduate degree program in Wildlife Biology includes math- and science-intensive classes, and students enrolled in most programs are required to score at least a grade of C in all biology courses. Wildlife biology majors are expected to complete a combination of lab experiences and practical field training. The school may also afford them the chance of providing assistance in research and summer fieldwork; after they graduate, they can use the experience to aid in getting employment and in scholarship funding.
Coursework
Wildlife biology majors can typically choose to focus their studies on either aquatic or land animals. Courses are taken by students in statistics, calculus, chemistry and physics, in addition to various subject areas in biology. Coursework may include:
•Wildlife management
•Fisheries management
•Animal Behavior
•Wildlife conservation
•Mammalogy
•Biometry
•Cell biology
•Population biology
•Genetics
•Ecology
Career Choices
Bachelor’s degrees in Wildlife Biology may help a graduate seek entry-level careers with conservation organizations, environmental consulting companies and federal and state fish and wildlife agencies, in positions such as:
•Conservation educator
•Wildlife manager
•Game warden
•Field biologist
Continuing Education Choices
Although wildlife biologists don’t need to earn bachelor’s degrees to seek entry-level occupations, individuals commonly aspire to earn graduate degrees. The graduate program will be of particular help to those seeking to specialize in certain species, including endangered types, or areas such as conservation and aquaculture biology. Both doctoral and master’s programs are available in Wildlife Biology. Those seeking teaching positions at universities and colleges, or considering independent research, would need a doctoral degree.