Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology (2024)

Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology (1)

What is Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology?

Interested in working with wildlife? Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology prepares students to manage and protect populations of fish and wildlife in their natural habitats. This STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) major gives students the skills they need to observe, research, monitor and assess the impact of environmental change, human behavior and public policy on animal populations. Using a combination of lab work, technology and field study, studentsdevelop conservation strategies that ensure the long-term health of fish and wildlife populations.

Students will have many opportunities to get outside while studying Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology. After sophomore year, students spend six weeks in the field at“Summer Camp,” an experience unique to the College of Natural Resources at NCState. During this unforgettable summer, students learn hands-on fish and wildlife management techniques in locations across the state. From plant and animal identification and bird mist netting to camera-trapping and radio telemetry, students gain experiences that preparethem for careers after graduation. Throughout the year, class field trips include behind-the-scenes exploration of the Smithsonian, animal autopsies at the NCState College of Veterinary Medicine and overnight trips to the Smoky Mountains.

The student-run Leopold Wildlife Club and Student Fisheries Society provide opportunities for professional development, networking and social events. With a number of natural resources agencies located within 20 minutes of NCState’s campus, students have access to a variety of valuable internship opportunities. Students also gain hands-on work experience and internships at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh, the largest natural science museum in the Southeast, and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, headquartered on NCState’s campus. Students in the wildlife concentration graduate with the coursework necessary for the Associate Wildlife Biologist Certification from The Wildlife Society.

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Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Concentrations and Curriculum

  • Fisheries Sciencefocuses on fish in freshwater and marine ecosystems.Semester by Semester Plan
  • Wildlife Sciencefocuses on terrestrial vertebrates.Semester by Semester Plan
  • Conservation Biologyfocuses on fish and wildlife conservation, especially species threatened by human impact and changing environments.Semester by Semester Plan
  • Popular minors include Animal Science, Environmental Education, Forest Management and Zoology.

#2 in Wildlife Research

As the second most productive Fish and Wildlife Research Program in the country, our students assist with research projects focused on habitat management, citizen science, wildlife health, adaptive resource management and quantitative ecology.

Learn More About Fisheries, Wildlife Management and Conservation Biology

Hands-On Experiences in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology

October 18, 2023 UHP Alumni Spotlight: Chase Carey Carey graduated from the College of Natural Resources in May of 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, with a pre-Veterinary concentration and an Environmental Science minor. June 22, 2023 Spotlight on our Students: LP Mancini `23 Undertakes the Appalachian Trail Albert Whangbo ‘00 graduated with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from NCState and has been working in management consulting for nearly 18 years. He currently serves as a Principal at ZS Management Consulting. March 28, 2022 From the Andes to the Amazon NCState students traveled to South America over spring break to conduct wildlife research and more.

What can you do with a fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology degree?

Our Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biologymajors graduate with options. From pursuing careers in the field with private industry or the government, to continuing their research at the graduate and Ph.D. level, our graduates go on to pursue their passions.

Sample Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation BiologyCareers

  • Wildlife Biologist – Work with state and federal agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the Department of Defense, and North Carolina State Parks, to direct habitat management and population monitoring that is critical to wildlife conservation.
  • Fisheries Biologist – Work with state and federal agencies, such as the National Marine Fisheries Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, to responsibly steward fisheries resources to sustain healthy populations and recover threatened populations, while allowing economic and recreational opportunities.
  • Conservation Biologist – Work with non-governmental organizations and government agencies to protect threatened and endangered species and their habitats.
  • Program Manager – Work with organizations, such as the National Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, and Ducks Unlimited, to develop conservation plans and work with partners to purchase conservation lands, manage habitat, monitor populations, develop public relations, inform environmental policy and provide education and outreach.
  • Wildlife Enforcement Officer – Work with state and federal agencies, such as the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to enforce wildlife laws and ensure the safety of visitors to refuges and other wildlife management areas.
  • Wildlife Damage Specialist – Work with agencies, such as USDA Wildlife Services, or private companies to manage wildlife damage and resolve human-wildlife interactions with the goal of maintaining stable wildlife populations in harmony with human populations.
  • Research Technician – Work with universities, state or federal agencies to collect data as part of a research program aimed at conserving fish and wildlife.
  • Management Technician – Work with state or federal agencies to manage habitat on wildlife refuges and other wildlife management areas or with consulting firms such as J.H. Carter and Associates to carry out Habitat Conservation Plans and Safe Harbor Agreements.
  • Environmental Educator – Work with museums, parks and nature centers to share knowledge of wildlife with children and the general public.
  • Environmental Consultant – Work with a private companies, such as Calyx Engineers or Duke Energy, to review development projects, consider environmental policy and recommend actions to ensure conservation of plants and animals.

Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Graduate Programs

Many of our students choose to continue their research and education by pursuing graduate degrees at universities, such asClemson, Auburn and Virginia Tech.

  • For students interested in seeking a graduate degree in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at NCState, we offer intercollegiate programs with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine:
    • Master of Science in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology
    • Master of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology
    • Ph.D. in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology

Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Careers

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Next Steps

Schedule a Visit to the College of Natural Resources We can’t wait to meet you! Learn about our scholarships We offer merit and need-based scholarships to help you earn your degree.

Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology (7)

Contact our Director of Undergraduate Programs

cnrrecruitment@ncsu.edu or 919.515-6191 or 919.513.2582

STEM Majors related to Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology

Environmental Sciences Natural Resources – Ecosystem Assessment Concentration Forest Management
Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology (2024)

FAQs

What is fisheries wildlife and Conservation Biology? ›

Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology prepares students to manage and protect populations of fish and wildlife in their natural habitats.

Is wildlife biology a competitive field? ›

Most wildlife biologists work for a state or federal agency. While a good number of these professionals are needed, the field is still very competitive.

What is wildlife and fisheries? ›

The primary functions of Fishery and Wildlife Science majors include management of conservation areas, enforcement of conservation laws, control of the utilization of natural resources like fisheries, game and wild species managment.

Is Conservation Biology a major? ›

Conservation biology majors must take at least 50 credits in the major. When selecting courses to meet major requirements, students are encouraged to meet with their Academic Advising Manager to discuss courses that align with their areas of academic interest.

What does a fisheries biologist do? ›

A fishery research biologist: studies how aquatic life interacts with its habitat and how people change these interactions through their actions; may work on the life cycle of brook trout in a local stream or on understanding the effect of fishing on Atlantic swordfish.

Is ecology a stem major? ›

STEM Majors List. Contained within these individual disciplines are numerous branches of study leading to various career paths. For example, a broad field such as biology splinters off into many subfields, including marine biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, ecology and more.

Is it difficult to get a job as a wildlife biologist? ›

Wildlife biology careers are highly rewarding, but the field is challenging and competitive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects this field will grow 5% over the next decade. Most full-fledged wildlife biologists need a master's degree, but doctorates are common.

What degree is best for fish and wildlife? ›

What should I major in to become a fish and wildlife biologist? The best majors for a fish and wildlife biologist include biology, environmental science, ecology, wildlife management, and zoology.

What is a fisheries degree? ›

The Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources with an emphasis in Fisheries Conservation and Management focuses on the ecology of aquatic systems, including the study of their biology, their relationships with each other and humans, and the physical and biological environments that are their habitat.

Is fisheries and wildlife stem? ›

This STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) major gives students the skills they need to observe, research, monitor and assess the impact of environmental change, human behavior and public policy on animal populations.

What is the hardest biology major? ›

5) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Graduates with degrees in these hardest science majors can expect jobs in the pharmaceutical, medical, genetics, immunology, forensics, ecology and toxicology fields.

Is conservation biology a good career? ›

Job Outlook for Conservation Biology Careers

Conservation biologists earn an average salary of $62,000 per year, but that number can vary depending on your qualifications and the company you work for. Federal governments and private institutions tend to pay more than local and state governments.

What is the demand for conservation biologist? ›

Job Outlook

Overall employment of conservation scientists and foresters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 3,000 openings for conservation scientists and foresters are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

What is the definition of fisheries in biology? ›

Definition of: Fisheries Biology. The study of fisheries. Fisheries are fish populations used for commercial value, including saltwater fisheries, freshwater fisheries, and fish farms in both salt and freshwater.

What is wildlife conservation in biology? ›

Wildlife conservation is the preservation and protection of animals, plants, and their habitats. By conserving wildlife, we're ensuring that future generations can enjoy our natural world and the incredible species that live within it.

What is wildlife and fisheries ecology? ›

Wildlife Fisheries and ecology management studies game and non-game wildlife species, fish, and aqua crops and their ecological requirements concerning contemporary agricultural methods.

What is a fishery in environmental science? ›

Fisheries are composed of fish stocks and the fishing fleet that catches them. A fish stock is simply a harvested population. It refers to one specific species in one particular place, like Gulf of Maine cod. A fishery is the intersection of a stock (or group of stocks) and the means of harvest.

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