This curriculum emphasizes basic sciences, plant and animal biology and communications skills for effective performance as a wildlife or fisheries biologist. Students learn to view wildlife and fisheries and problems associated with their management from a broad perspective, while also being exposed to social, cultural and ethical issues.
Seminar courses and supervised experience in the field with an approved agency provide opportunities for learning management of wildlife populations. Nearby wildlife management areas maintained by state and federal agencies are utilized to illustrate principles
Graduates with the wildlife science option are eligible for certification by The Wildlife Society as Associate Wildlife Biologists and graduates with the fisheries science option are eligible for certification by the American Fisheries Society as Associate Fisheries Professionals. Both options qualify graduates for employment by state wildlife resources agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other governmental agencies, as well as private and commercial entities. However, students interested in the more technical phases of this field and in meeting standards for higher managerial positions should plan for graduate study.