Wildlife Conservation Option Academic Requirements

deer in roadWildlife Conservation is the science and art of managing animal populations and their related resources.  In the ESRM: Wildlife Conservation Option, for their final 46 credits of degree requirements, students complete coursework in wildlife ecology, quantitative science, and the social and political aspects of wildlife conservation issues. Students can expect hands-on field experiences including how to identify, capture, and handle animals; and how to assess, map, and plan wildlife habitats. Instruction on writing technical reports and scientific papers, and presentation of findings and implementation of wildlife conservation plans will be covered.

Students earn a B.S., Environmental Science and Terrestrial Resource Management. The Option in Wildlife Conservation is noted on student transcripts only, not the diploma.

Schedules 

The academic requirements and sample 4-year degree plan is available on the Annual Class Schedules and Academic Planning Sheets page.

Course Requirements

Required Wildlife Conservation Option Courses

Courses to Consider

Career Opportunities and Graduate Study

With the bachelor’s degree and relevant experience, career opportunities include working as entry-level wildlife managers, naturalists in national or state parks, or as field biologists for agencies and environmental consulting firms. Most professional positions in the wildlife field require a graduate degree and this option offers strong preparation for subsequent graduate work. Public agencies, such as the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, the Washington State Department of Ecology, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, hire wildlife professionals as do private sector environmental consulting firms, forest industry, and conservation organizations. The option also is an appropriate choice for students interested in subsequent professional degrees in public policy or environmental law.

SEFS and Affiliated Faculty

John Marzluff (lead), Sarah Converse, Christian Grue, Joshua Lawler, L. Monika Moskal, Ken Raedeke, John Skalski, Sandor Toth, Laura Prugh, Beth Gardner, and Aaron Wirsing

Back to Top