How do you get a degree in wildlife biology?


Quick Answer

Pursuing a career in wildlife biology requires a university education that features labs and fieldwork as well as attendance at lectures. The first two years are spent on common studies. During the following two years, the student decides whether to choose a degree that concentrates on wildlife or fisheries.

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How do you get a degree in wildlife biology?
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Full Answer

The job of a wildlife biologist is to manage wildlife habitats, study animal behavior and monitor their populations. The prerequisites of a degree in wildlife biology include a high school diploma in the college preparatory track that includes classes in English, math, physics, chemistry, biology, social studies and lab procedures. In addition to college level courses in math, biology, physics and chemistry, students majoring in wildlife biology take classes in mammalogy, ornithology, forestry, wildlife biology, fisheries science, ecology and freshwater ecosystems.

A master's degree in wildlife biology can be pursued with or without a thesis. Those who desire to pursue a career in research generally pursue the degree in a thesis program, which involves field research, class studies and lab work. A master's degree expands wildlife knowledge in areas that include environmental preservation, analysis of habitats, population and resource management.

The largest employers of those with a wildlife biology degree are federal and state governments. The need for wildlife biologists is expected to grow by 13 percent by 2018.

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