Wildlife Biology
Program Summary
A program that focuses on the application of biological principles to the study of vertebrate wildlife, wildlife habitats, and related ecosystems in remote and urban areas. Includes instruction in animal ecology; adaptational biology; urban ecosystems; natural and artificial habitat management; limnology; wildlife pathology; and vertebrate zoological specializations such as mammalogy, herpetology, ichthyology, ornithology, and others.
Discover More About a Degree in Wildlife Biology
A degree in wildlife biology prepares students with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and observe the behavior of wildlife in their natural habitats. A student wishing to study wildlife biology will learn about ecosystems and study how animals act and react in that system. Many programs will incorporate classroom education with field experience and laboratory work. The study of wildlife biology requires an understanding of a cross section of disciplines, including biology, ecology and psychology. Degrees are available at the bachelor, master and doctoral level, with entry level positions available to bachelor degree holders. Master degree holders will have more options, and a master's degree is typically necessary for research positions. A doctoral degree will allow an individual to obtain supervisory positions as well as teaching opportunities.
A curriculum in wildlife biology may include:
- Ecology
- Ornithology
- Chemistry
- Behavioral Psychology
- Wildlife management
There are multiple careers available to wildlife biology majors. These careers typically involve the care and maintenance of animals and their natural environment, typically through conservation programs. Local, state and federal governments are the primary employers, utilizing wildlife biologists to ensure the safety and cleanliness of parks and wildlife reserves.
Private firms, typically involved in land development may also hire wildlife biologists to reduce the impact of such development on the environment. Research programs, both publically and privately funded, may also employ wildlife biologists to conduct analyses and observation on various animals and their behaviors. Conservationist groups through non-governmental organizations may also provide employment opportunities internationally.
Individuals entering the field of wildlife biology should expect to work through various internships in order to garner practical experience prior to finding permanent work. Job opportunities are expected to grow over the next decade as the interest to preserve and maintain wildlife and ecosystems increases. Job availability on the government level is subject to change yearly based on available budgets.
The average salary of a wildlife biologist will vary based on degree, employer, and field:
- Federal Employee - $71,000 per year
- Researcher - $64,000 per year
- State Employee - $52,000 per year
- Management and Consulting - $50,000 per year
Individuals interested in wildlife biology may also be interested in zoology, animal physiology, or entomology.
Top Schools That Offer a Wildlife Biology Degree or Program
4-Year Colleges and Universities
| Baker University | |
- Baldwin City, KS
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| Brigham Young University | |
- Provo, UT
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| Colorado State University | |
- Fort Collins, CO
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| Friends University | |
- Wichita, KS
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| Frostburg State University | |
- Frostburg, MD
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| Hastings College | |
- Hastings, NE
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| Kansas State University | |
- Manhattan, KS
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| Lees - Mcrae College | |
- Banner Elk, NC
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| Northern Arizona University | |
- Flagstaff, AZ
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| Ohio University | |
- Athens, OH
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| Suny College of Environmental Science and Forestry | |
- Syracuse, NY
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| Texas State University - San Marcos | |
- San Marcos, TX
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| Unity College | |
- Unity, ME
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| University of Michigan - Flint | |
- Flint, MI
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| University of North Dakota | |
- Grand Forks, ND
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| University of Vermont | |
- Burlington, VT
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| University of Wyoming | |
- Laramie, WY
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| Utah State University | |
- Logan, UT
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| West Texas A&M University | |
- Canyon, TX
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Community Colleges
| Barton Community College | |
- Great Bend, KS
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| Garden City Community College | |
- Garden City, KS
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| Western Wyoming Community College | |
- Rock Springs, WY
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