Catch fish for a living: become a fisheries biologist.
Those seeking a career as a wildlife or fishery biologist can find bachelor's of science degree programs at various universities that feature courses ranging from the basic sciences to wildlife or fisheries management, ecology and conservation. Graduates are qualified to work for state agencies, national parks, nonprofit groups and private corporations. They can also go on to pursue master's or doctorate degrees.
The Southeast
The University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, in Athens, Georgia, offers two tracks. The wildlife major concentrates on the study of natural resources for management of game and non-game species. The fisheries and aquaculture track focuses on the complete aquatic environment. Both tracks support the acquisition of good communication and analytical skills needed to find solutions to complex environmental problems.
The school offers opportunities to study abroad in countries all over the world, including Brazil, Australia and Finland. In addition, internships are available through private companies, landowners, conservation organizations, and state and federal agencies. Cooperatives also are offered through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service and Georgia's Department of Natural Resources.
The Northeast
With a degree in wildlife biology, you might have the opportunity to study megafauna like wolves.
The State University of New York in Syracuse, New York, offers degrees in aquatic and fishery science and in wildlife science, as well as in several similar areas through its College of Environmental Science and Forestry. According to its website, the school's mission is to "advance the knowledge and skills and to promote the leadership necessary for the stewardship of both the natural and designed environments."
Areas of focus in aquatic and fishery science include the biology and diversity of aquatic plants and animals; the application of ecological principles of management to aquatic habitats; and hands-on study in a variety of habitats in New York and along the Atlantic Ocean.
The wildlife science track focuses on wildlife population management; endangerment and overpopulation issues; and the integration of the needs of wildlife with those of people.
The Midwest
The University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul) offers a degree in fisheries and wildlife with a choice of specialization in either fisheries or wildlife.
The fisheries option focuses on fisheries resource science, management and administration; fish hatchery management; aquaculture, aquatic education and aquatic assessment. The wildlife track focuses on wildlife science, management and administration; zoo biology; terrestrial biology; environmental assessment; and education.
The Southwest
Texas A & M University in College Station offers a degree in wildlife and fisheries sciences with three areas of specialization: aquatic ecology; wildlife ecology and conservation; and vertebrate zoology.
According to the university's website, its Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences offers "the most diverse and progressive education available in the conservation of the earth's biodiversity." Areas of special interest include extinction, wildlife and fisheries recreation uses, aquacultural food production and urban wildlife management.
The West
The University of Idaho's Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources offers degrees in both fish and wildlife resources. According to the school's website, students receive "a solid foundation in biology and ecology and ensures they will be able to apply principles-based practices in a complex and continually changing environment."
The department works closely with the U.S. Geological Survey's Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, which fosters management of natural resources. The university is in Moscow.
Tags: Fish Wildlife, track focuses, wildlife fisheries, wildlife science, aquatic fishery, aquatic fishery science, degree wildlife
