Majors, minors & more
Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Sciences
College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
College of Arts and Sciences
- Offered as:
- Major
- Minor
- Graduate program
Overview
Wildlife ecologists research and implement scientifically sound strategies for the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of wild animals and their habitat.
The wildlife ecology and conservation sciences major combines strong science, a broad background in natural resources and the environment, and in-depth, hands-on courses to help you fully understand the ecology, habitat, and conservation of wild animals, and prepare you for graduate school and management careers.
The program also offers a pre-veterinary track designed specifically to prepare students for admission to schools of veterinary medicine.
- Strengths of the program
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- Get hands-on experience with wildlife and conservation in the University's labs and research centers.
- The Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Program
- The Wild Ungulate and Small Mammal Research Facility
- The Large Carnivore Conservation Lab
- The Endangered Species Laboratory
- The Conservation Genetics and Environmental DNA Laboratory
- Geographic Information Systems labs
- Work closely with professors who are nationally recognized experts in:
- Large carnivore management and conservation
- Behavioral ecology, reproduction, and nutrition of wildlife
- Habitat restoration and conservation of endangered species
- Forest, grassland, and wetland habitat management
- Landscape and conservation genetics
- Benefit from an integrated curriculum that allows you to learn about wildlife from all angles
- An optional pre-veterinary track prepares you for study in professional veterinary medicine programs—including the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine D.V.M. program.
- Get hands-on experience with wildlife and conservation in the University's labs and research centers.
- Scholarships & financial aid
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A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs.
For all students at WSU
Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.
To get all the financial help WSU can provide, start by doing these two things:
- Complete the University's general scholarship application so you can be eligible for scholarship consideration, including departmental awards.
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so WSU can consider you for aid (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.) based on financial need. Get started here.
Click here for more info about WSU scholarships and financial aid
For students in wildlife ecology and conservation sciences
Students in majors offered by the School of the Environment can be considered for scholarships from the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Resources, and the School of the Environment.
The College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) annually awards more than $500,000 to students. For more information, see the CAHNRS scholarship page. Scholarships specific to the School of the Environment are listed here.
- Careers
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Here are just a few of the jobs and career opportunities open to graduates in wildlife ecology and conservation sciences:
- Wildlife biologist, manager, or researcher
- Fishery biologist, manager, or researcher
- Conservation biologist/Endangered species specialist
- Wildlife refuge manager
- Wildlife officer/game warden
- Veterinarian
- Zookeeper
- Natural resources manager
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental educator