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Wildlife and Environmental Management Overview

Environmental and wildlife management degree is the area of education and employment that is responsible for the preservation of wildlife reserves, forests and other natural areas with a focus on natural resources and conservation biology. Individuals in this field work within large areas, ensuring that flora and fauna are safe from encroachment, pollution, litter, poaching and hunting. Higher levels of education allow for research to better maintain the ecosystem in a given area.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$77,830

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

52.38%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

35,110

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Environmental and Wildlife Management Degree

Duke University (Durham, NC) offers a wide range of programs for students. Among the popular programs at Duke University are business and marketing, public administration, engineering, biological sciences, and social sciences. Nicholas School of the Environment manages a wide range of academic programs that are designed to train to make positive contributions to the environment and the world. Master of Environmental Management is open for wildlife students who aim to learn more about the analysis and conservation management of natural environments. Students choose an area of wildlife specialization that explores economics, management, finance, law and/or policy. The university values United Methodist teachings and it plays an important role within the school's vision. The university also has international exposure through its two concurrent campuses in Asia, located in Singapore and China. 

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) is recognized as America's first university and one of the greatest institutions of higher learning and research in the country. The university fosters a modern liberal arts curriculum. Penn offers an interdisciplinary approach to learning for undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. The "One University" policy allows undergraduate students to access courses at all of Penn's undergraduate and graduate schools. Environmental Management major offers a Sustainability and Environmental Management concentration. This wildlife major provides courses on environmental economics, environmental health, conservation, sustainability, renewable resources, wildlife, and environmental management. The program is fit for students who already have a Natural or the Social Sciences background. Penn boasts its long list of acclaimed alumni including 15 Nobel Prize Winners.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) is one of the top, public research universities in the United States. The university has also been consistently ranking as one of the best universities in the globe. Cornell has an active and comprehensive research program designed in an interdisciplinary curriculum. The university also fosters cross-college collaborations, allowing students to explore new fields of study. The Department of Natural Resources & the Environment has a Master of Professional Studies designed for returning or continuing wildlife students who are interested to pursue a career in environmental science and management. Wildlife Management is one of the specializations offered under the conservation program. Students in the wildlife domian are taught with the most advanced techniques and skills that are essential across the industry. Cornell is also engaged with several universities around the world for joint research, exchange graduate students and faculty members. 

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of California - Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) is known as an esteemed public research university in the United States. The school is providing top-notch undergraduate and graduate programs ranking among the best in the country and across the world. Berkeley offers a graduate wildlife program in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management leading to a Ph.D. The conservation program is open for professionals with or without previous wildlife masters degrees. The wildlife curriculum fosters an interdisciplinary approach in learning. Graduates of the program are trained to assume roles in the academia, government, and non-governmental agencies worldwide. Over the years, UC Berkeley has obtained a long list of prestigious and relevant graduates and faculty for various fields of study. 

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI) is the oldest public research university in the state. The University of Michigan is also among the top public universities worldwide. Also, it is listed among the research universities in the United States that are granted with high budgets. Popular programs in UM are focused on arts, sciences, and professions with a high level of coexistence between graduate and undergraduate programs. The School of Environment and Sustainability offers a Master of Science with an Ecosystem Science and Management specialization. The wildlife program has conservation courses that explore environmental policy, management, conservation, education, wildlife, and advocacy. Overall the wildlife program curriculum fosters an experiential field-based learning approach. The university is also known for its esteemed faculty line-up and known alumni.  

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of California - Davis (Davis, CA) homes the largest variety of degree programs among the University of California campuses. The university takes pride in its agriculture and environment-related degree. The university also has an active and highly recognized research program. Environmental Science & Management is an undergraduate wildlife program. It provides an interdisciplinary curriculum, linking the natural conservation and social sciences. Environmental Policy and Management program is offered at the graduate level awarding a master’s degree in wildlife. UCD has an award-winning faculty and notable alumni. UC Davis also offers certificates, courses, and online classes for adults and non-traditional learners. 

Acceptance Rate

38.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

University of California - Irvine (Irvine, CA) is a public research university and considered as one of the fastest growing campuses under the University of California system. Through the years, UCI has been offering highly recognized academic and professional programs. It continues its aim for academic excellence by providing new programs including public health, wildlife, pharmaceutical sciences, conservation, and nursing science. The university offers a Masters in Conservation and Restoration Science degree program. This wildlife program prepares professionals to assume roles in planning, designing, implementing, and managing environmental conservation and restoration activities. MCRS fosters an interdisciplinary approach in learning and focuses on developing the leadership, conservation, and management skills of the students. UCI is also notable for its research activities by its pool of scholars and award-winning faculty.

Acceptance Rate

26.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of Maryland - College Park (College Park, MA) is a public institution and Maryland’s flagship university. The school offers competitive academic programs that are consistently ranking among the best in the country. The university has obtained many research partnerships with the federal government due to its proximity to the capital. Environmental Science and Policy (ENSP) is a unique undergraduate wildlife major that fosters a multidisciplinary curriculum. Wildlife Ecology and Management is just one of the long list of wildlife program concentrations under ENSP. This conservation program can be the first step for students who aim to earn a Certification as Wildlife Biologists. The University of Maryland also offers summer and winter short-term wildlife programs which include study abroad opportunities.

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of Georgia (Athens, GA) is one of the oldest public universities in the United States. UGA is also listed among the best in the country. The university has a wide range of programs offered from humanities, communications, sciences, education, law, up to health and medicine. Natural Resource Management and Sustainability is an undergraduate major that is fit for students who are interested in learning from multiple areas of study. Students who choose this wildlife major must pick an area of concentration: Community Forestry and Arboriculture, Geospatial Information Science, or Water and Soil Resources. Conservation graduates are prepared to assume roles across different sectors in the wildlife domain. UGA also provides education to a large number of continuing education wildlife students focused on public service and technology transfer related programs. The university also fosters an active research environment. UGA extends its top-notch quality education to other parts of the country and several locations around the globe.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

 Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL) is a public research university that offers a student-centered education. The university offers it academic programs across regional campuses and academic centers. The university has a wide range of academic programs including several environmental-related programs. The Department of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science offers three Environmental Management undergraduate wildlife programs. These wildlife programs are Environmental Science (BS), Environmental Science and Policy (BA), and FSU Teach Environmental Science (BS). Graduates of this wildlife program can immediately assume roles across different sectors. They are also eligible to pursue graduate studies in similar fields of interest or various other academic pursuits. 

Acceptance Rate

35.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA) is one of two polytechnics in the California State University system. San Luis Obispo campus is more focused on its undergraduate education. The university fosters a combination of technical and professional curriculums with the arts and humanities. The university is also highly recognized for social mobility, research, and service to students and the community. Cal Poly offers a BS degree in Environmental Management & Protection wildlife program and an MS Environment Sciences and Management. Both wildlife programs focus on the management of the environment and natural resources. The Department of Natural Resources Management & Environmental Sciences aims to train wildlife leaders on protecting the environment. Overall, the university has bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Acceptance Rate

28.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT) is a public research university, considered one of the best in the United States. The university’s active research programs help businesses and improve community life in nearby areas. UConn has been considered as a Public Ivy by some publications. Some of the popular programs in the university are liberal arts & sciences, agriculture & natural resources, business, and engineering. Wildlife Conservation is an undergraduate minor that provides a basic understanding of wildlife and wildlife resources management. A Master of Energy and Environmental Management is also offered through online. The wildlife program focuses on providing instructions on environmental law, planning and management, and geographic information systems. 

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Clemson University (Clemson, SC) is a public university established to be a scientific agricultural and mechanical arts institution. Today, the university offers other disciplines including forestry and life science, arts and humanities, business, and education. Forest Resource Management is an undergraduate major. The university manages a 17,500-acre Experimental Forest allowing students to gain more hands-on learning experience. Students will be given courses on ecology, wildlife, forest economics, harvesting, wildlife management, and others. Clemson University also manages a graduate school with several wildlife degree programs and unique interdisciplinary programs. The university is consistently ranking among the best for its service, and academic and research performance.

Acceptance Rate

51.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Ohio State University-Main Campus (Columbus, OH) is a public university and is considered the largest single-campus university in the United States. The university is the top university in academics and research in the state. It is recognized as one of the Public Ivies of some publications. The university is also listed among the leading research and teaching institutions in the United States. Ohio State offers a Wildlife Management program at the undergraduate level. Students who opt for this wildlife major must choose an area of specialization: Parks and Recreation, Natural Resource Administration and Management, or Sustainable Agriculture. The program provides both classroom learning and hands-on experience. 

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

North Carolina State University at Raleigh (Raleigh, NC) is among the most active public research universities in the United States.  NC State has a strong list of academic programs. Some of its popular programs are in engineering, statistics, agriculture, and life sciences. Environmental Technology and Management is a STEM major undergraduate program. It offers interdisciplinary courses to interested students. Upon graduation, students are expected to address environmental and sustainability problems, learn environmental regulations, wildlife, and gain the skills to work closely with engineers and engineering firms. It also offers a wide range of academic disciplines for its graduate wildlife programs. It is also known as “People’s University” and the largest public university in the state.

Acceptance Rate

45.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN) is a public university and the flagship institution under the University of Minnesota system. It is organized into 19 schools and colleges. UMN is included in a list of Public Ivy universities. It has a wide range of academic programs offered and a high research activity. Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management is an undergraduate major that trains students to understand and address environmental issues. This major offers four tracks: Conservation and Resource Management, Environmental Education and Communication, Environmental Science, and Policy, Planning, Law and Society. The university has recognized alumni including several Nobel Prize winners and Rhodes Scholars.

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Purdue University-Main Campus (West Lafayette, IN) is one of the best public research universities in the country. The university leads on agricultural research, engineering, and environmental and wildlife management. The university has a wide range of academic programs for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Students who major in Wildlife will learn about wildlife research, management, and education as well as other related disciplines. The program meets the educational standards of The Wildlife Society, thus, graduates are eligible to become a Certified Wildlife Biologist. Purdue extends its academic excellence globally through online learning resources. Purdue Online offers more than 200 accredited academic programs for qualified students to access. 

Acceptance Rate

59.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Hampshire College (Amherst, MA) is a private liberal arts college. It is known for its alternative curriculum and self-directed academic concentrations. It offers an interdisciplinary Environmental Management and Sustainability degree program for qualified undergraduate students. The School Natural Science offers other related programs for students to explore. The School aims to provide students with a transformative, student-centered education based on inquiry and collaboration. 

Acceptance Rate

1.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Texas A & M University (College Station, TX) is a public research university that focuses on agriculture, environmental and wildlife management and marine sciences, and alike. The university has a long list of undergraduate programs and graduate programs. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has a wide range of academic programs across a variety of disciplines. Several of these programs are ranked among the best in the United States. The university is recognized within the country and internationally. It manages campuses in Galveston and Qatar. A & M is known for being a highly active research university boasting world-class research facilities and strong student and faculty researchers.

Acceptance Rate

57.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

SUNY College at Oneonta (Oneonta, NY) is one of the university centers in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. O-State has a robust wildlife management degree program in addition to an array of environmental-based tracks for students to study. It offers both graduate and undergraduate studies. The college offers Environmental Sustainability for undergraduate students and a Master’s program in Lake Management. O-State has been recognized for its academic excellence and campus-wide commitment to service and civic engagement. The university also offers international service-learning and internships.

Acceptance Rate

56.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of Massachusetts - Amherst (Amherst, MA) is a public university founded as an agricultural college. Today, UMass Amherst is a recognized research and higher learning institution. It is one of the leading universities on environmental research and sustainability. The university also offers many high ranked academic programs across eight schools. The College of Natural Sciences has a long list of academic programs for both graduate and undergraduate studies as well as certification training programs. The college also actively participates and plans outreach programs. UMass Amherst is also recognized for its emphasis on community service in its curriculum through volunteering, service-learning, and civic engagement. The university also fosters a well-balanced student experience. 

Acceptance Rate

63.8

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Sewanee - The University of the South (Sewanee, TN) is a private liberal arts college that focuses on its undergraduate education. The university offers a variety of academic disciplines to students. It values its Protestant Episcopal Church affiliation which is evident in its curriculum and daily activities. Theology, creative writing, and interdisciplinary studies are just a few of the popular programs offered in the university.  The university also offers Earth and Environment Systems programs as well as Integrated Programs in the Environment. These programs are offered as undergraduate major and minor, some lead to a certificate.  

Acceptance Rate

66.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

University of Vermont (Burlington, VT) is a public research university and is among the oldest higher education institutions in the United States. It is also one of the eight originally listed “Public Ivies” in the country. The university is organized into seven undergraduate schools, an honors college, a graduate college, and a college of medicine. The Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources offers several undergraduate and graduate programs. At the graduate level, there are programs designed to focus on training students’ skill on leadership and management. The School also fosters an active research culture in environmental management and sustainability.

Acceptance Rate

67.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Concordia University (Austin, TX) is a private university affiliated with the  Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. The university offers a long list of undergraduate majors and minors. It also has several graduate programs including doctoral/professional programs. The university awards both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Several programs are also offered online. Postgraduate and certificate programs are also available in the university. The Concordia University System has eight campuses across the United States. Concordia University Texas offers several environment-focused academic programs.

Acceptance Rate

68.37

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (Syracuse, NY) is one of the university centers in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. It is a specialized, doctoral-degree granting institution with high research activity. The majority of the college’s programs are focused on the understanding, management, and sustainability of the environment and natural resources. Environmental and Forest Biology is a graduate program offering both masters and Ph.D. degrees. Fish and Wildlife Biology & Management is one of the areas of study under this program. Graduates can become certified as Associate Wildlife Biologists by The Wildlife Society. SUNY-ESF also fosters an active Greek community and professional student organizations. 

Acceptance Rate

69.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

What is Environmental Management?

Environmental management is the interdisciplinary study of the earth system including the environment, function, resource management, and ecosystem impacts. Earning an environmental management degree will teach students to understand, protect, and shape resource conservation and environmental issues. As a result, environmental managers work to understand and positively affect the world around us in the following ways:

  • Monitoring environmental change
  • Forecasting future environmental issues
  • Maximizing human benefit while minimizing adverse impacts
  • Managing natural resources prudently
  • Optimizing ecosystems and wildlife
  • Adhering to principles to affect political change
  • Managing human impact on the environment

What is Wildlife Management?

Wildlife management is the study of fusing the science and art of managing wildlife and their habitat to optimize the benefit for the animals, fish, wildlife, environment, and humans. A few basic axioms for mutually beneficial wildlife managers protocol includes:

  • Balancing resource conservation with resource preservation
  • Rooting decisions in biological truths
  • Effectively managing humans and their impact on wildlife
  • Managing policies to maximize ecosystems not just a species of animal
  • Optimizing wildlife populations with associated habitats
  • Understanding the needs of wildlife across various types of geography

Environmental & Wildlife Management Degrees

Accredited colleges and universities across the country offer a number of wildlife conservation degree options to choose from in environmental management, wildlife management, and the wildlife conservation option. Popular degree programs include a bachelors degree, masters degree, and doctoral degree. Below, wildlife conservation students can find a summary of each conservation biology major program to help you more efficiently approach a decision on a college program for your future.

Bachelor Degree Courses in Wildlife Conservation

An on-site or online bachelors degree in environmental and conservation management is a 4-year program conferred as a Bachelors of Science (BS). Students will have the opportunity to learn about the environment as part of their core classes plus a number of general education courses such as English composition, math, and psychology to help provide a well-rounded education. Core courses can include the following management courses: biology, chemistry, geology, physics, environmental policy, environmental toxicology, environmental soil science, geochemistry, plant ecology, wetland analysis, wildlife habitat, resource policy & planning, sustainability, computer mapping, and environmental health practices.

Master Degrees in Wildlife Conservation Management

A masters degree in environmental and wildlife management is conferred as a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Arts (MA) depending on the curricular design of the program. The MA or MS degree in environmental & wildlife management is a 1-2 year program for full-time students. Upper-level graduate programs resources and classes for grad students will depend on the area of concentration a student chooses to pursue. Optional tracks in wildlife and environmental management can include environmental conservation, fisheries ecology & conservation, wildlife ecology & conservation, water resources, environmental biology, conservation science, urban forestry & arboriculture, and forest ecology & conservation.

Doctorate in Environmental & Wildlife Management

A doctoral degree in environmental and wildlife management is a terminal degree program in the field that can last 4-6 years depending on your pace, course load, and time invested in your dissertation. Degrees conferred at this level are typically a PhD degree or a Doctor of Philosophy dependent upon the schools design and course structure of the program. Students seeking a PhD in wildlife management programs and wildlife management will seek to extend the body of knowledge in the field as a research specialist, practitioner in the field, or teacher in a higher education setting.

Educational Courses in Environmental Management

Degrees in environmental and wildlife management are available from the associate level to the doctoral. The most common degree earned is a bachelor's which provides the skills necessary to conduct one's daily tasks and maintain the safety and preservation of the wilderness. Management degree wildlife students will be exposed to a variety of sciences in order to better understand the ecology and processes that take place in a given environment, thus better identifying threats and working to prevent further harm. Higher level degrees allow for research and teaching positions.

Individuals seeking a school to study environmental and wildlife management should try to find programs that allow for research or internships in order to develop practical skills alongside their traditional education. Field training and research can provide invaluable insight, provide connections to individuals within the field, and assist in procuring future employment.

A curriculum in environmental and wildlife management may include:

  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • Environmental Studies & Manage Fish
  • Natural Resource Economics
  • Urban Forestry
  • Land Use Planning and Development
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment for Wildlife Conservation Students

Individuals pursuing a career as scientists or managers will generally seek employment through local, state or federal agencies that control areas of land that are monitored and protected. Work opportunities may vary, including park management, game officer, wildlife agents and more. As noted previously, individuals with a graduate level education may pursue research opportunities, either through pre-existing research programs or the establishment of new research through the submission and approval of a proposal.

Job growth should increase over the next decade, though the number of available jobs will be limited due to budget constraints of the local, state or federal governments that control areas of interest. Research programs will be budgeted for, though new programs may be denied due to budgetary issues. The national average salary for wildlife conservationists will vary on job scope, industry, and employment type. Overall, the increased interest nationally in the preservation of wilderness and animals should allow for the creation of new jobs in the field.

Top Job Titles in Wildlife Conservation Management

As you contemplate a future in environmental management and wildlife management, it is important to understand the scope of the industry. As such, we have assembled a list of commonly used job titles across the field of study to give you a better understanding of the specialties that exist. Job duties and overall responsibilities will vary from job to job but taking the opportunity to understand the breadth of job titles will help map job titles to programs of interest before beginning your job search. The top job titles for a wildlife manager and environmental manager include:

Environmental Program Manager Grassland Conservationist
Fisheries Director Habitat Management Coordinator
Health Sciences Manager Land Management Supervisor
Laboratory Manager Natural Resource Manager
Natural Science Manager Natural Resource Specialist
Research & Development Director Wildlife Range Technician
Research Manager Rangeland Management Specialist
Senior Wildlife Scientist Wildlife Resource Manager
Water Team Leader Forest Ranger
Fish Aquatic Biologist Forest Technician
Conservation Resources Manager Coastal and Estuary Specialist
Environmental Specialist Endangered Species Conservationist
Fish & Wildlife Biologist Marine Habitat Resource Specialist
Fishery Biologist Environmental Planning Manager
Wildlife Biologist Wildlife Project Manager
Wildlife Manager Watershed Coordinator
District Wildlife Manager Ecologist
Fisheries Enforcement Officer Environmental Consultant
Game Warden Environmental Programs Manager
Natural Resource Officer Environmental Services Director
State Wildlife Officer Environmental Sustainability Manager
Wildlife Conservation Officer Research Environmental Engineer
Wildlife Conservationist Wildlife Research Scientist

 

Niche Resources in Wildlife Management

Individuals interested in environmental and wildlife management may also be interested in marine biology or zoology. As an additional resource, you can also read our blog post titledTop College Degrees for Animal Lovers for more information. Students motivated to connect to national organizations may consider researching the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) or the National Association for Environmental Managers (NAEM).

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