You’ll find the most prestigious wildlife biology programs at UC Davis, Colorado State University, and the University of Montana. These schools offer extensive curricula combining rigorous academics with extensive field experience. Top programs feature partnerships with state and federal agencies, research opportunities, and specialized concentrations in aquatic or terrestrial wildlife studies. With median salaries around $70,600 and steady job growth, you can expect strong career prospects after graduation. Programs like Cornell and the University of Florida stand out for their research facilities and internship connections. Exploring each school’s unique regional focus will help you discover which program aligns with your wildlife conservation goals.
Best Wildlife Biology Degree Programs in the USA
| Rank | University | Location | Degree Types | Notable Features | Research Facilities | Acceptance Rate | Tuition (in-state) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California, Davis | Davis, CA | BS, MS, PhD | Renowned faculty, field-based curriculum | Museum of Wildlife, Bodega Marine Lab | 39% | $14,600 |
| 2 | University of Montana | Missoula, MT | BS, MS, PhD | Proximity to wilderness areas | Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit | 94% | $7,500 |
| 3 | Colorado State University | Fort Collins, CO | BS, MS, PhD | Strong conservation focus | Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory | 81% | $12,400 |
| 4 | University of Wyoming | Laramie, WY | BS, MS, PhD | Extensive field opportunities | Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center | 94% | $6,100 |
| 5 | Texas A&M University | College Station, TX | BS, MS, PhD | Strong employment outcomes | Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Building | 63% | $11,900 |
| 6 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | BS, MS, PhD | Wetland ecosystem expertise | Florida Museum of Natural History | 31% | $6,400 |
| 7 | Oregon State University | Corvallis, OR | BS, MS, PhD | Marine and forestry emphasis | H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest | 82% | $12,100 |
| 8 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | BS, MS, PhD | Leopold legacy program | Kemp Natural Resources Station | 57% | $10,700 |
| 9 | Purdue University | West Lafayette, IN | BS, MS, PhD | Quantitative biology focus | Purdue Wildlife Area | 67% | $9,900 |
| 10 | University of Georgia | Athens, GA | BS, MS, PhD | Strong interdisciplinary program | Savannah River Ecology Lab | 48% | $12,100 |
| 11 | North Carolina State University | Raleigh, NC | BS, MS, PhD | Fisheries specialization | Biodiversity Laboratory | 46% | $9,100 |
| 12 | Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, VA | BS, MS, PhD | Appalachian ecosystem focus | Conservation Management Institute | 70% | $13,700 |
| 13 | Utah State University | Logan, UT | BS, MS, PhD | Rangeland emphasis | Ecology Center | 91% | $8,400 |
| 14 | University of Alaska Fairbanks | Fairbanks, AK | BS, MS, PhD | Arctic wildlife specialization | Institute of Arctic Biology | 76% | $9,800 |
| 15 | Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | BS, MS, PhD | Great Lakes focus | Kellogg Biological Station | 76% | $14,500 |
| 16 | SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry | Syracuse, NY | BS, MS, PhD | Forest wildlife emphasis | Adirondack Ecological Center | 68% | $9,200 |
| 17 | University of Maine | Orono, ME | BS, MS, PhD | Extensive field courses | Wildlife Ecology Research Facility | 92% | $11,700 |
| 18 | University of Idaho | Moscow, ID | BS, MS, PhD | Emphasis on fisheries | Taylor Wilderness Research Station | 78% | $8,300 |
| 19 | University of Arizona | Tucson, AZ | BS, MS, PhD | Desert ecosystem expertise | Santa Rita Experimental Range | 85% | $12,700 |
| 20 | Humboldt State University | Arcata, CA | BS, MS | Hands-on field training | Arcata Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary | 85% | $7,900 |
| 21 | Clemson University | Clemson, SC | BS, MS, PhD | Southeastern wildlife focus | Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology | 62% | $15,400 |
| 22 | Iowa State University | Ames, IA | BS, MS, PhD | Prairie ecology specialization | Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture | 92% | $9,300 |
| 23 | Auburn University | Auburn, AL | BS, MS, PhD | Southeastern wildlife management | Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station | 81% | $11,800 |
| 24 | Penn State University | University Park, PA | BS, MS, PhD | Ecosystem management focus | Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center | 49% | $18,400 |
| 25 | University of Vermont | Burlington, VT | BS, MS, PhD | Conservation biology emphasis | Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory | 68% | $19,000 |
| 26 | Washington State University | Pullman, WA | BS, MS, PhD | Pacific Northwest ecosystems | Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Center | 80% | $12,000 |
| 27 | University of New Hampshire | Durham, NH | BS, MS, PhD | Aquatic resources focus | Hubbard Center for Genome Studies | 85% | $18,900 |
| 28 | Louisiana State University | Baton Rouge, LA | BS, MS, PhD | Wetland wildlife emphasis | LSU Natural History Museum | 73% | $11,900 |
Top Schools for Wildlife Biology
Many prestigious universities across the United States offer excellent wildlife biology programs, with specializations ranging from conservation to wildlife management. You’ll find top-tier programs at both public and private institutions, each offering unique advantages for your education.
Among public universities, UC Davis stands out with its renowned College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, while Colorado State University‘s Warner College of Natural Resources provides extensive undergraduate and graduate programs. The University of Montana’s W.A. Franke College emphasizes hands-on field experience, and the University of Florida offers broad research and internship opportunities through its wildlife ecology program. Students benefit from state-of-the-art laboratories that enhance their research capabilities.
In the private sector, Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences delivers diverse research opportunities through its Department of Natural Resources. Duke University excels in wildlife and fisheries management, while the University of Wisconsin-Madison emphasizes practical learning experiences. You’ll find specialized facilities at Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, and Lees-McRae College offers focused tracks in rehabilitation and field biology.
If you’re interested in specific concentrations, the University of Georgia’s Warnell School provides various wildlife conservation focuses, while Eastern Kentucky University specializes in conservation and game management. Mississippi State University offers diverse options including conservation biology and wildlife agriculture conservation. For graduate studies, South Dakota State University’s Master’s program emphasizes natural resources, and Murray State University focuses on both private and public land management techniques.
Research and Field Experience
As a wildlife biology student, you’ll gain thorough hands-on experience through diverse research opportunities and field studies. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art field and laboratory facilities, where you can participate in both local and international research projects. Programs increasingly emphasize structured decision-making in conservation planning and research design. These programs address real-world conservation issues, from studying disease ecology in Madagascar to exploring population ecology in Paraguay.
Through intensive field studies, you’ll work directly with various species in both aquatic and terrestrial communities. You’ll collect data, make field observations, and participate in long-term research projects focusing on mammals, salamanders, snakes, and fish. In your senior year, you’ll design and conduct your own research project, putting your skills and knowledge to practical use.
You’ll find numerous opportunities to enhance your research experience through prestigious programs like the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program and the EVE Scholars Program. These initiatives provide funded research opportunities and valuable field experience. The NRS Field Science Fellowship and Samuelsen Conservation Scholars Initiative offer additional financial support for undergraduate research projects, with special consideration for underrepresented students.
Your research and field experience will prepare you for various career paths in wildlife conservation. You’ll work closely with renowned faculty on their research projects and receive help securing relevant internships, including opportunities with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. This thorough preparation will equip you for careers as a wildlife biologist, resource manager, conservation law officer, or environmental educator, and provide a strong foundation for advanced degrees in wildlife conservation.
Specialized Program Concentrations
Leading universities across the United States offer specialized concentrations within their wildlife biology programs to help you focus your studies on specific areas of interest. You’ll find a diverse range of concentrations that align with your career goals, whether you’re passionate about aquatic ecosystems, terrestrial wildlife, or specific species management.
If you’re interested in aquatic systems, you can pursue specialized tracks at Auburn University or Colorado State University, where you’ll study fish and aquatic sciences. For terrestrial wildlife focus, universities like Eastern Kentucky and Kansas State offer extensive programs in wildlife ecology and management. Species-specific programs are available at institutions like Mississippi State and the University of Georgia, where you’ll dive deep into whitetail deer biology and wild turkey management. Students at Ball State University can participate in hands-on herpetology surveys conducted on local properties.
Conservation-focused concentrations are prominent at UC Davis and Ball State University, where you’ll study the complex relationships between human activities and wildlife needs. You’ll explore topics like behavioral ecology, ecotoxicology, and disease ecology. These programs often integrate habitat management and forestry components to provide a holistic understanding of ecosystem dynamics.
Most programs are designed to prepare you for professional certification through organizations like The Wildlife Society and the American Fisheries Society. Universities like SIU and Frostburg State make sure their curricula meet these professional requirements. You’ll also find opportunities for internships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private consulting firms, making your degree directly applicable to your future career in wildlife biology.
Unique Regional Wildlife Programs
Regional diversity across the United States shapes distinctive wildlife biology programs at universities nationwide. In the Western U.S., you’ll find programs tailored to diverse habitat zones and human-wildlife conflict management. Utah State University offers expert faculty and extensive field studies, while Colorado State University provides specialized concentrations in wildlife biology and fisheries. The University of Wyoming emphasizes wildlife resource management with access to their National Park Research Center.
In the Eastern region, you’ll discover programs that capitalize on unique local ecosystems. Lees-McRae College in North Carolina features wildlife rehabilitation training at their Elk Valley Preserve, while Frostburg State University utilizes the Allegheny Mountains for field studies. Unity College in Maine provides hands-on experience across forest, ocean, and lake ecosystems. SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry offers students access to field stations like Adirondacks for comprehensive ecological training.
The Midwest offers its own specialized opportunities. You can study wildlife biology and conservation at Ball State University while conducting research in Indiana’s natural areas. The University of Michigan’s Flint campus provides fieldwork opportunities throughout the Great Lakes region.
These programs strengthen their offerings through institutional partnerships. You’ll benefit from research collaborations at Utah State University, gain experience at Lees-McRae’s May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, or access Ball State’s extensive teaching collections. Many programs maintain partnerships with state and federal agencies, preparing you for careers in wildlife management and conservation. Each region’s unique ecological characteristics create distinct learning opportunities, allowing you to choose a program that aligns with your specific wildlife biology interests.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
Field boots hit the ground running in wildlife biology programs across America, where hands-on learning forms the backbone of student education. You’ll find extensive field research opportunities at institutions like Colorado State University and Humboldt State, where you’re immersed in natural habitats and diverse ecosystems right from the start. At UC Davis, you’ll gain invaluable experience working alongside state and federal agencies, while Ball State University gets you into regional and state parks for ecological research. The varied mountain ecosystems near Colorado State University provide unparalleled natural laboratories for fieldwork.
The practical training you’ll receive is thorough and career-focused. At the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, you’ll develop essential wildlife ecology and management skills through field experiences. Eastern Kentucky University lets you specialize in either conservation or game management, while Auburn University provides hands-on research opportunities in both forestry and wildlife sciences.
You won’t be going it alone – faculty guidance is an essential component of these programs. At Cornell University, you’ll work with mentors in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, while Montana’s renowned faculty researchers guide you through complex projects. These relationships often lead to collaborative research opportunities, like those at Mississippi State University’s Deer Lab or Texas A&M’s Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology.
Many programs leverage their location to enhance your learning experience. Michigan State University connects you with external organizations for research projects, while the University of Florida integrates you into faculty-led wildlife ecology and conservation studies. These hands-on experiences guarantee you’re well-prepared for real-world wildlife biology challenges.
Career Paths and Job Prospects
A wealth of career paths awaits wildlife biology graduates, from research and conservation to wildlife management and technical roles. As a research biologist, you’ll study living organisms and their environments, conducting experiments and analyzing data in laboratories or diverse ecological settings. If you choose conservation biology, you’ll focus on protecting endangered species and managing habitats while engaging in policy work and public education. Field experience through internships or volunteer work is crucial for starting your career.
Wildlife managers take charge of federal, state, and private lands, developing and implementing management plans while ensuring compliance with regulations. As a wildlife technician, you’ll support these efforts through field research and data collection, working alongside other professionals in various settings.
You’ll find most job opportunities with government agencies, conservation groups, and environmental organizations. Zoos, preserves, and private firms also actively recruit wildlife biologists. The field’s projected growth rate of 3% from 2022-2032 means approximately 1,500 job openings annually, primarily due to workforce turnover.
Your earning potential as a wildlife biologist is substantial, with median annual salaries reaching $70,600 as of 2023. You can expect salaries ranging from $45,000 to $110,000, depending on your experience, location, and education level. States like Mississippi, Massachusetts, California, Maryland, and New York typically offer higher compensation. You’ll find abundant opportunities in national parks, wildlife reserves, and regions with rich biodiversity, particularly in states with extensive public lands like Alaska.
Student Organizations and Networking
Student organizations serve as essential networking hubs for wildlife biology majors, with The Wildlife Society‘s student chapters leading the way across U.S. universities. These chapters offer bi-weekly meetings focused on volunteer activities and professional development, while organizing field trips and workshops that provide hands-on experience in wildlife management and conservation.
You’ll find that membership requirements vary by institution. While UNR’s chapter welcomes students from all majors year-round, CSU Pueblo’s chapter requires a 3.15 GPA and completion of specific wildlife science courses. Email contact at [email protected] is typically required to initiate membership. Once you’re a member, you can participate in community service projects, recreational activities like hiking and camping, and volunteer opportunities such as turtle sampling and raptor rehabilitation.
The chapters prioritize your professional growth through various activities. You’ll network with wildlife professionals who regularly speak at chapter meetings, participate in educational workshops, and collaborate with organizations like Ducks Unlimited for field experience. You can also compete in events like the Quiz Bowl at annual meetings, where you’ll connect with peers and potential employers.
Your academic program will integrate seamlessly with these organizations. Faculty advisors help guide you toward relevant chapter activities, and there’s often flexibility in your coursework to accommodate these valuable experiences. Whether you’re studying at the University of North Dakota’s Fisheries & Wildlife Biology program or the University of New Hampshire’s Wildlife and Conservation Biology major, you’ll find that student chapters complement your academic journey while building professional connections.
Faculty Expertise and Resources
Leading wildlife biology programs across the United States feature world-renowned faculty who bring diverse expertise to the classroom and field. You’ll find specialists in environmental adaptation, wildlife ecology, epidemiology, and the complex interactions between human and natural systems. These experts conduct groundbreaking research while mentoring the next generation of wildlife biologists.
At NC State University, you’ll work with faculty like Chris DePerno, who specializes in wildlife ecology and management, and Nils Peterson, who explores the intersection of human and natural systems. Research Assistant Professor Kara Walker brings expertise in wildlife health and behavioral ecology. At Auburn University, you’ll learn from faculty conducting essential research on threatened species management and habitat restoration. The internationally recognized faculty at UAF brings additional prestige to wildlife biology education in Alaska.
The research facilities at these institutions provide you with hands-on experience using advanced tools and technology. You’ll have access to top-tier field and laboratory facilities at Auburn University, while UAF offers unique research opportunities in Alaska’s wilderness. SUNY ESF students gain valuable field experience at the Cranberry Lake Biological Station.
You’ll benefit from extensive research collaborations that span multiple disciplines and institutions. NC State’s interdepartmental partnerships connect the College of Natural Resources with other key academic units. International research opportunities include studying lemur disease ecology in Madagascar and jaguar populations in Paraguay. These programs maintain strong partnerships with state and federal agencies, ensuring you’ll gain real-world experience through funded research projects addressing current conservation challenges.
Program Requirements and Admissions
Successful completion of a wildlife biology degree requires meeting rigorous academic standards and field requirements across top programs. You’ll need to complete core curricula, major-specific courses, and hands-on fieldwork while maintaining minimum GPA requirements. At the University of New Hampshire, you must earn 128 credits with a 2.0 GPA, including specific courses like NR 433 and BIOL 411 through their Discovery & Writing Program.
Programs emphasize practical experience alongside classroom learning. At Montana and Colorado State’s Warner College, you’ll benefit from extensive fieldwork opportunities in diverse ecosystems. Students can pursue minors or dual majors while completing their wildlife biology degree. Michigan State’s program offers concentrations in fisheries and wildlife, while Purdue requires completion of a summer practicum as part of their hands-on approach.
For admission into these programs, you’ll typically need to demonstrate strong academic performance and relevant extracurricular activities. Purdue’s wildlife program, for example, requires transfer students to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and meet specific departmental criteria. You can contact their Forestry and Natural Resources department at (765) 494-3591 or email [email protected] for detailed information.
Most programs align with The Wildlife Society’s professional certification requirements, ensuring you’re prepared for career opportunities after graduation. While specific admission requirements vary by institution, you should focus on maintaining strong grades and gaining relevant experience. Consider reaching out to individual programs directly, as requirements and opportunities may change over time.
Erzsebet Frey (Eli Frey) is an ecologist and online entrepreneur with a Master of Science in Ecology from the University of Belgrade. Originally from Serbia, she has lived in Sri Lanka since 2017. Eli has worked internationally in countries like Oman, Brazil, Germany, and Sri Lanka. In 2018, she expanded into SEO and blogging, completing courses from UC Davis and Edinburgh. Eli has founded multiple websites focused on biology, ecology, environmental science, sustainable and simple living, and outdoor activities. She enjoys creating nature and simple living videos on YouTube and participates in speleology, diving, and hiking.