Degrees Related to Wildlife Biology

Degree programs related to wildlife biology may focus on wildlife habitat and public policies.

A degree related to wildlife biology serves as a prerequisite for a career working with wildlife and their habitats. Wildlife biologists work for government agencies, private consultants, zoos and colleges around the globe. A career in wildlife biology involves working outdoors, researching wildlife populations and making wildlife management recommendations. The median annual salary for a wildlife biologist is $55,290, according to 2008 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Ecology

Many ecologists--biologists studying the interactions between organisms and their environment--work closely with government organizations to develop wildlife management policies. Areas of specialization within the discipline include population ecology, community ecology and ecosystem ecology.

Zoology

A degree in zoology, the study of animals, directly relates to wildlife biology. Zoology students learn not only about the structure and function of animals, but also their evolution, behavior and ecology. A zoologist does not necessarily work in a zoo--the word "zoology" comes from the Greek prefix, "zoo-" meaning "animal."

Mathematics

Wildlife biology involves the application of advanced mathematics to data sets to make wildlife management recommendations. A degree in mathematics combined with wildlife research experience serves as a strong starting point toward working in the field of wildlife biology. Some universities, such as the University of California, Davis, offer an applied mathematics focus within their wildlife biology graduate degree program.

Conservation Biology

Conservation biology, an area of study that focuses on the management of wildlife populations and their habitats, counts as an applied science because it often involves public policy related to land management. Some colleges, such as UC Davis, integrate their conservation biology program with fish and wildlife biology programs.

Forestry

A degree in forestry prepares students to work on the front lines of multiple-use land management issues that relate to forests. As an applied science, forestry involves public policies, habitat restoration and natural resource conservation.

Natural Resource Management

Natural resources can be defined as anything naturally occurring on earth, such as trees, that humans see as useful. Government agencies work closely with natural resource managers to develop public policies related to the conservation of wildlife habitats. Specializations within the natural resources management degree include parks management, wildlife habitat enhancement and environmental restoration.

References

• Education Portal: Wildlife Biology Degree
• The Lex Files: Basic Greek Elements
• University of California, Davis: Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology
• Education Portal: Natural Resource Management
• University of Montana: College of Forestry and Conservation

Resources

• Wildlife Conservation Society