Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management.

Degree Overview

Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management (CIP 03.0601) is a scientific field dedicated to the conservation and ecological balance of animal populations and their natural habitats. This discipline combines biology, ecology, and chemistry with the practical application of policy and land management. It is the study of how to protect biodiversity while managing the complex interactions between humans and the wild.

This field is ideal for "applied biologists"—individuals who love wildlife but want to move beyond the laboratory to solve real-world problems like habitat fragmentation, invasive species control, and endangered species recovery.

What Is a Wildlife and Fish Management Degree?

A degree in this field focuses on the biological requirements of wild animals and the management of the ecosystems they inhabit. Students learn how to census animal populations, evaluate the health of forests and wetlands, and design strategies to ensure that wildlife can survive in a changing climate. It is a rigorous STEM major that prepares students to make data-driven decisions about hunting regulations, land use, and species protection.

Schools offer this degree to:

• Train "Field Biologists" who can track and monitor animal health and movement
• Teach the science of Population Dynamics (how groups of animals grow, shrink, or move)
• Develop specialists in habitat restoration for wetlands, grasslands, and forests
• Prepare professionals for law enforcement roles in fish and game protection

What Will You Learn?

Students learn that managing wildlife is actually about managing habitats and human behavior to ensure ecological stability.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Most students learn to:

• Identify hundreds of species of mammals, birds, fish, and plants
• Use Telemetry and GPS tagging to track animal migration and home ranges
• Master "Population Modeling" to predict how many animals an area can support
• Perform "Necropsies" (animal autopsies) to identify diseases or toxins in the wild
• Use GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to map critical habitats and migration corridors
• Communicate complex scientific data to hunters, landowners, and the general public

Topics You May Explore

Coursework is a blend of intense outdoor field work and indoor laboratory analysis:

• Ornithology, Mammalogy, and Ichthyology: The specific study of birds, mammals, and fish.
• Wetland Ecology: Managing the world's most productive and threatened ecosystems.
• Wildlife Law and Policy: The legal frameworks like the Endangered Species Act.
• Fire Ecology: Understanding how controlled burns help maintain healthy wildlands.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: Finding ways for humans and predators to coexist safely.
• Conservation Genetics: Using DNA to manage the health of small or isolated populations.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

Graduates typically work for agencies dedicated to the protection of natural resources.

Common job roles include:

• Wildlife Biologist: Studying animals in their natural habitats and assessing human impacts.
• Fish and Game Warden: Enforcing laws related to hunting, fishing, and boating.
• Fisheries Manager: Monitoring fish stocks and managing hatcheries or commercial fishing rules.
• Habitat Restoration Specialist: Leading projects to replant native species or remove dams.
• Wildlife Technician: Conducting the "boots-on-the-ground" work of trapping, tagging, and counting animals.
• Environmental Consultant: Advising construction companies on how to avoid harming local wildlife.

Where Can You Work?

Wildlife and fish specialists work in some of the most beautiful and remote areas of the world:

• Federal Agencies: Such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, or Forest Service.
• State Agencies: Working for state departments of "Fish and Wildlife" or "Natural Resources."
• Non-Profit Organizations: Groups like Ducks Unlimited, The Audubon Society, or the World Wildlife Fund.
• Zoological Parks and Aquariums: Managing the health and breeding of captive species.
• Private Timber and Land Companies: Ensuring sustainable resource use that protects local fauna.

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings are stable, particularly in government roles, with higher salaries available for those with Master's or Doctorate degrees.

• Wildlife Biologists: Median annual salary of approximately $65,000–$75,000.
• Fish and Game Wardens: Median annual salary of around $60,000–$70,000.
• Natural Sciences Managers: In leadership roles, salaries can exceed $110,000.
• Biological Technicians: Entry-level field roles often start between $40,000 and $50,000.

Is This Degree Hard?

The difficulty is in the rigorous science requirements and the physical demands of the job. You must be successful in advanced Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Statistics. You must also be prepared to work in all weather conditions—from freezing mountain peaks to mosquito-filled swamps. It requires high physical stamina, a patient observant mind, and a deep commitment to ethical scientific practice.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a good fit if you:

• Love animals and feel a deep sense of responsibility for the environment
• Are comfortable with the "circle of life"—including hunting, fishing, and biology
• Enjoy being outdoors regardless of the weather or terrain
• Are a "data-driven" person who likes solving puzzles using math and science
• Want a career where you can see the physical results of your conservation efforts

How to Prepare in High School

• Take classes in Biology, Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, and Math
• Get involved in outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, hunting, or fishing
• Volunteer for a local nature center, wildlife rehabilitator, or park project
• Join a 4-H or FFA chapter that focuses on natural resources
• Practice your observation skills by keeping a nature journal of local species you see

The ability to protect the wild while balancing the needs of human society is the hallmark of a successful wildlife manager.