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School of Natural Resources and the Environment

Wildlife and Fisheries Resources, BS

If you enjoy the outdoors, are comfortable handling animals and are interested in society’s impact on wildlife, fish and their habitats, consider majoring in Wildlife and Fisheries Resources.

You’ll learn about everything from the conservation and preservation of animal habitats to the subdisciplines of genetics, policy and forest management, allowing you to identify and solve many possible issues related to wildlife.

Our program prepares you for careers as wildlife and fisheries biologists and managers, conservation biologists, fish hatchery personnel and conservation officers, as well as a wide variety of natural resources specialists and managers.

Courses are lab-based with ample opportunity for valuable field experiences. You can choose a concentration in wildlife or fisheries (or both) to meet the requirements for professional certification as either a wildlife biologist (certified through The Wildlife Society) or fisheries biologist (certified through The American Fisheries Society).

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

If you’re passionate about the outdoors and the conservation of natural resources and animal habitats, this major is for you.

Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:

WMAN 100:
The Tradition of Hunting
Introduction to the cultural and spiritual role of hunting; use of hunting as a wildlife management tool; and its economic value in wildlife conservation programs. Includes discussions on gun control, anti-hunting and animal rights.
WMAN 150:
Principles of Conservation Ecology
Overview of the science of conservation ecology with emphasis on the concepts of biological diversity, extension, habitat loss and fragmentation, establishment of protected areas, endangered species and establishment and preservation of new populations.
WMAN 205:
Wildlife-Fisheries Camp
A course in field ecology and wildlife/fisheries sampling techniques. Designed to introduce the beginning wildlife conservation professional to the science of collecting data on wildlife and fish populations in their natural habitats.
WMAN 313:
Wildlife Ecosystem Ecology
Basic principles of ecosystem, community and population ecology. Emphasizing structure, function, succession, physiological ecology, population growth and regulation, and systems modeling.
WMAN 330:
Conservation Genetics
Introduction to the principles of modern genetics needed to understand and manage important challenges in conservation of biodiversity including game, non-game and endangered/threatened species.
WMAN 450:
Advanced Wildlife and Fisheries Management
This is the capstone experience in the major. Students learn the principles and practices of wildlife and fisheries habitat and species management.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

Fisheries Science

Ideal for those interested in water, conservation and environmental sciences.
Wildlife Science

Ideal for students interested in working with divisions of natural resources in wildlife management or wildlife conservation.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

Honors

Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first- and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

The Natural History Museum, a collection of preserved Appalachian wildlife species housed within Percival Hall.
Faculty mentors for all students.
75-acre , with a variety of natural habitats.
University Research Forest, comprising 7,600 acres with 60-80 year old stands of mixed oak and mesophytic hardwood types.
Scholarship support from and numerous networking opportunities with Forestry and Natural Resources Alumni Association.
Fisheries Sciences emphasis meets the course requirements for professional certification from the American Fisheries Society.
Wildlife Sciences emphasis meets the course requirements for professional certification from the Wildlife Society.
Small-school environment with all the resources of a large university. You’ll benefit from one-on-one faculty interactions and develop a close relationship with your faculty and peers.

Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

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Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Housed within our program is a U.S. Geologic Survey Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit that provides three additional faculty members who conduct extensive research around the country.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources provides a liaison biologist who is a direct link to the state's natural resources agency.

All faculty are actively engaged in research. You will have the opportunity to study and learn from them through volunteer experiences and summer employment opportunities working on fish and wildlife projects.

Education Abroad
WMAN 207 International Conservation offers the opportunity for spring break travel to places like Costa Rica and Ecuador. Our students have also studied in the Galapagos and South Africa.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Forest and Conservation Workers

Under supervision, perform manual labor necessary to develop, maintain, or protect areas such as forests, forested areas, woodlands, wetlands, and rangelands through such activities as raising and transporting seedlings; combating insects, pests, and diseases harmful to plant life; and building structures to control water, erosion, and leaching of soil. Includes forester aides, seedling pullers, and tree planters.

Median Salary: $33,940

Possible job titles include: Crew Leader, Foreman, Forest Resource Specialist, Tree Planter.

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Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $157,740

Possible job titles include: Environmental Program Manager, Natural Science Manager, Senior Investigator, Water Team Leader.

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Range Managers

Research or study range land management practices to provide sustained production of forage, livestock, and wildlife.

Median Salary: $68,750

Possible job titles include: Land Management Supervisor, Natural Resource Manager, Natural Resource Specialist, Rangeland Management Specialist.

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Forest and Conservation Technicians

Provide technical assistance regarding the conservation of soil, water, forests, or related natural resources. May compile data pertaining to size, content, condition, and other characteristics of forest tracts under the direction of foresters, or train and lead forest workers in forest propagation and fire prevention and suppression. May assist conservation scientists in managing, improving, and protecting rangelands and wildlife habitats.

Median Salary: $51,880

Possible job titles include: Biological Science Aide, Forest Technician, Resource Technician.

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Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists

Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $70,600

Possible job titles include: Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Fisheries Biologist, Wildlife Biologist, Zoologist.

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Conservation Scientists

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

Median Salary: $68,750

Possible job titles include: Conservationist, Environmental Analyst, Resource Conservation Specialist.

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Environmental Restoration Planners

Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $78,980

Possible job titles include: Coastal and Estuary Specialist, Executive Director, Project Manager, Watershed Coordinator.

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Industrial Ecologists

Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.

Has a Bright Outlook , Is a Green Occupation , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $78,980

Possible job titles include: Ecologist, Research Environmental Engineer, Research Scientist, Researcher.

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Biological Technicians

Assist biological and medical scientists in laboratories. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $51,430

Possible job titles include: Biological Science Laboratory Technician, Biological Technician, Laboratory Technician, Research Associate.

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Fish and Game Wardens

Patrol assigned area to prevent fish and game law violations. Investigate reports of damage to crops or property by wildlife. Compile biological data.

Median Salary: $60,380

Possible job titles include: District Wildlife Manager, Natural Resource Officer, State Game Warden, Wildlife Manager.

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First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

Median Salary: $57,320

Possible job titles include: Farm Manager, Fish Hatchery Manager, Fish Hatchery Specialist, Hatchery Manager, Wildlife Manager, Pest Management Supervisor, Logging Supervisor.

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Fishing and Hunting Workers

Hunt, trap, catch, or gather wild animals or aquatic animals and plants. May use nets, traps, or other equipment. May haul catch onto ship or other vessel.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $35,520

Possible job titles include: Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator, Wildlife Control Operator, Urban Wildlife Damage Control Specialist, Nuisance Wildlife Trapper, Commercial Fisherman.

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Where our grads are working

Many of our graduates pursue work with the Department of Natural Resources in various states across the country, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and many other government and non-profit organizations.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's Wildlife and Fisheries Resources major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's . Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition and Aid

How much does Wildlife and Fisheries Resources at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

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Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Extra Merit-based Scholarships

Incoming freshmen to the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources may qualify for Innovators scholarships based on GPA. No additional application is necessary. These scholarships are in addition to University scholarships.

See if You Qualify

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Wildlife and Fisheries Resources major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Wildlife and Fisheries Resources can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the to see if your institution is listed.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

Want to know more about Wildlife and Fisheries Resources at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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