A major in wildlife biology is perfect for someone who loves animals, enjoys the outdoors and has an aptitude for science.

This biology major offers students specialized training in wildlife ecology, with emphasis on management and conservation of animals. Students spend a significant amount of time in classes and labs, but also have the opportunity to do interesting research projects as well as work in the field.

Few schools have programs specifically named "wildlife biology." However, you can also specialize in wildlife through a degree in zoology, biology, ecology or environmental science.

Students take range of science classes, including the basics of biology, chemistry and physics and more advanced classes like zoology, botany, genetics, physiology, forestry, soil science, wildlife, ornithology, mammalogy and fisheries.

They also may take classes in other disciplines such as mathematics, political science, human dimensions, communications, statistics, computers, economics and law.

Often, students also have the opportunity to take part in research projects. At Colorado State University, for example, professor Gary White says internships and independent research projects are possible, although not required.

However, White says a four-week summer session at a field campus in the mountains and a 10-day field trip to visit practicing wildlife biologists at their field stations are mandatory.

"Also, we encourage our students to gain summer employment in the field," White says.

In high school, take calculus, chemistry, physics, composition, public speaking and biology, he says.

Wildlife biology professor Alton Harestad emphasizes the importance of hands-on work. Students in his program may enroll in the cooperative education program and do paid work terms.

Harestad says high school students should take the necessary sciences classes but also should not ignore such classes as math and English.

"Learn how to manage time efficiently and effectively, learn how to work as team members, learn how to communicate through speaking to groups and by writing," he suggests.

Field experiences, a staple of many programs, can add to the cost of a degree in this field. White says his program's field trip and summer class are additional expenses and there are also some laboratory courses that have additional fees.

In addition, books can be a big expense. Being a science major requires many expensive texts and supplies. You often will need one or two books for a lecture class as well as one or two books for a lab for the same class.

Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Biological Scientists

• http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-sc
  ience/zoologists-and-wildlife-biologists.htm

Wildlife Society
See their site for certification information

• http://www.wildlife.org/

National Wildlife Federation
The oldest protector of wildlife in the U.S.

• http://www.nwf.org/