Wildlife Biology

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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.

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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

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4-Year Colleges and Universities

Baker University

- Baldwin City, KS

  • Private Not-For-Profit Organization
  • Highest Offered: Doctoral - Research Degree
  • Small Four-Year, Primarily Residential Campus
  • Students: 1,000 - 4,999
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $23,390
  • Out-of-State Residents: $23,390
Brigham Young University

- Provo, UT

  • Private Not-For-Profit Organization
  • Highest Offered: Doctoral - Research & Professional Degree
  • Large Four-Year, Primarily Nonresidential Campus
  • Students: 20,000+
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $4,560
  • Out-of-State Residents: $4,560
Colorado State University

- Fort Collins, CO

  • Public Organization
  • Highest Offered: Doctoral - Research & Professional Degree
  • Large Four-Year, Primarily Residential Campus
  • Students: 20,000+
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $7,952
  • Out-of-State Residents: $23,652
Friends University

- Wichita, KS

  • Private Not-For-Profit Organization
  • Highest Offered: Master's Degree
  • Small Four-Year, Primarily Nonresidential Campus
  • Students: 1,000 - 4,999
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $21,030
  • Out-of-State Residents: $21,030
Frostburg State University

- Frostburg, MD

  • Public Organization
  • Highest Offered: Master's Degree
  • Medium Four-Year, Primarily Residential Campus
  • Students: 5,000 - 9,999
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $7,128
  • Out-of-State Residents: $17,020
Average User Rating
Hastings College

- Hastings, NE

  • Private Not-For-Profit Organization
  • Highest Offered: Master's Degree
  • Small Four-Year, Highly Residential Campus
  • Students: 1,000 - 4,999
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $23,734
  • Out-of-State Residents: $23,734
Kansas State University

- Manhattan, KS

  • Public Organization
  • Highest Offered: Doctoral - Research & Professional Degree
  • Large Four-Year, Primarily Residential Campus
  • Students: 20,000+
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $7,657
  • Out-of-State Residents: $19,123
Lees - Mcrae College

- Banner Elk, NC

  • Private Not-For-Profit Organization
  • Highest Offered: Bachelor's Degree
  • Very Small Four-Year, Highly Residential Campus
  • Students: Under 1,000
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $22,564
  • Out-of-State Residents: $22,564
Northern Arizona University

- Flagstaff, AZ

  • Public Organization
  • Highest Offered: Doctoral - Research & Professional Degree
  • Large Four-Year, Primarily Residential Campus
  • Students: 20,000+
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $8,826
  • Out-of-State Residents: $21,182
Average User Rating
Ohio University

- Athens, OH

  • Public Organization
  • Highest Offered: Doctoral - Research & Professional Degree
  • Large Four-Year, Primarily Residential Campus
  • Students: 20,000+
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $9,936
  • Out-of-State Residents: $18,900
Average User Rating
Suny College of Environmental Science and Forestry

- Syracuse, NY

  • Public Organization
  • Highest Offered: Doctoral - Research Degree
  • Small Four-Year, Primarily Residential Campus
  • Students: 1,000 - 4,999
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $6,269
  • Out-of-State Residents: $15,141
Texas State University - San Marcos

- San Marcos, TX

  • Public Organization
  • Highest Offered: Doctoral - Research & Professional Degree
  • Large Four-Year, Primarily Nonresidential Campus
  • Students: 20,000+
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $7,264
  • Out-of-State Residents: $15,402
Unity College

- Unity, ME

  • Private Not-For-Profit Organization
  • Highest Offered: Bachelor's Degree
  • Very Small Four-Year, Highly Residential Campus
  • Students: Under 1,000
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $23,540
  • Out-of-State Residents: $23,540
University of Michigan - Flint

- Flint, MI

  • Public Organization
  • Highest Offered: Doctoral - Professional Degree
  • Medium Four-Year, Primarily Nonresidential Campus
  • Students: 5,000 - 9,999
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $8,712
  • Out-of-State Residents: $17,014
Average User Rating
University of North Dakota

- Grand Forks, ND

  • Public Organization
  • Highest Offered: Doctoral - Research & Professional Degree
  • Large Four-Year, Primarily Residential Campus
  • Students: 10,000 - 19,999
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $7,092
  • Out-of-State Residents: $16,767
University of Vermont

- Burlington, VT

  • Public Organization
  • Highest Offered: Doctoral - Research & Professional Degree
  • Large Four-Year, Highly Residential Campus
  • Students: 10,000 - 19,999
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $14,784
  • Out-of-State Residents: $34,424
University of Wyoming

- Laramie, WY

  • Public Organization
  • Highest Offered: Doctoral - Research & Professional Degree
  • Large Four-Year, Primarily Nonresidential Campus
  • Students: 10,000 - 19,999
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $4,125
  • Out-of-State Residents: $12,855
Utah State University

- Logan, UT

  • Public Organization
  • Highest Offered: Doctoral - Research & Professional Degree
  • Large Four-Year, Primarily Nonresidential Campus
  • Students: 20,000+
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $5,560
  • Out-of-State Residents: $15,860
West Texas A&M University

- Canyon, TX

  • Public Organization
  • Highest Offered: Doctoral - Research Degree
  • Medium Four-Year, Primarily Residential Campus
  • Students: 5,000 - 9,999
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $6,008
  • Out-of-State Residents: $13,448
Average User Rating

Community Colleges

Barton Community College

- Great Bend, KS

  • 4 Organization
  • Highest Offered: Associate's Degree
  • Medium Two-Year College
  • Students: 1,000 - 4,999
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $2,784
  • Out-of-State Residents: $3,776
Average User Rating
Garden City Community College

- Garden City, KS

  • 4 Organization
  • Highest Offered: Associate's Degree
  • Small Two-Year College
  • Students: 1,000 - 4,999
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $2,272
  • Out-of-State Residents: $2,912
Average User Rating
Western Wyoming Community College

- Rock Springs, WY

  • 4 Organization
  • Highest Offered: Associate's Degree
  • Medium Two-Year College
  • Students: 1,000 - 4,999
Tuition and Fees
  • In-State Residents: $2,082
  • Out-of-State Residents: $5,490
Source: IPEDS Survey 2008-2011: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.