Wildlife and Conservation Science (BS)
Biology Track
Contribute to preserving our environment and resources for generations to come with a degree in wildlife and conservation science.
Preserve the Living Environment You Love
Our environment is ever-changing, and the relationships among its inhabitants are key to our future. Here, you will gain a broad knowledge of organismal sciences and focus on wildlife management, ecology and the preservation of biodiversity. This program exceeds the internationally recognized standards of The Wildlife Society and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. With this competitive edge, you can pursue a career as a wildlife manager, park ranger, urban biologist, game warden, ecologist or conservation planner. Excel in positions on private game ranches, nature centers, with governmental agencies and private organizations such as Texas Parks and Wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Forest Service, the Nature Conservancy and the Audubon Society. In addition, students graduating from this program can pursue graduate study for further professional development and opportunity. Utilizing STEM innovation and discovery, you can protect the earth's inhabitants and help them thrive. This program is offered as a collaboration between the Department of Biological and Environmental Science and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
Is this Program a Good Fit for You?
Wildlife and Conservation Science students are typically interested in
- Wildlife management
- Ecology
- Conservation and preservation of biodiversity
See Yourself Succeed With a Degree in Wildlife and Conservation Science
Hands-On Research
Our faculty will help you tackle complex challenges and discover solutions with hands-on research in various fields.
Accomplished Faculty
Work with award-winning professors to solve problems on the management of game and non-game species in human-modified landscapes in the state of Texas and beyond.
Career Readiness
Acquire real-world work experience and prepare for your wildlife career with hands-on projects at approved work sites.
Focus Your Passion
Choose from two tracks depending on your interests.
Agriculture
Biology
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
A degree in wildlife and conservation science will offer you the opportunity to:
- Learn theoretical and applied studies of wildlife species and populations.
- Apply biological principles to wildlife species management, populations and habitats.
- Expand on the fundamentals of scientific inquiry and methods for data analysis, then communicate those results.
- Get hands-on experience in field techniques for wildlife management and research.
Careers
Choose from a wide variety of engaging careers in the field of wildlife and conservation science.
Career Possibilities and Current Median Salaries
- Wildlife Biologist – 8% projected job growth through 2026
- Conservation Scientist – 6% projected job growth through 2026
- Private Game Farm or Ranch Manager – 1% projected job growth through 2026
US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022
Featured Alumni
Employer Highlights
- The Nature Conservancy
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – Wildlife Division
- Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – State Park Division
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – Law Enforcement Division (Shadowing game warden)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Houston Zoo
- National Park Service
- Texas Wildlife Association
- Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Internship opportunities
Internship experience provides the foundation employers are often looking for. Although not required for your degree, internships are an important part of your education experience. These are just a few of the companies that partner with Student Career Preparedness and offer opportunities for A&M-Commerce wildlife and conservation science students.
Minors
- Agribusiness
- Agricultural Education
- Agronomy
- Animal Science
- Biological Sciences
- Environmental Science
- Equine Science
- Equine Studies
- Family and Consumer Sciences
- Food Studies
- Horticulture
What You Will Learn
In this program, you will receive a comprehensive overview of organismal sciences that will prepare you for jobs at government or international agencies, wildlife conservation organizations, ecological research, ranch management or further graduate study.
Courses to Prepare You for Your Career
- Foundation courses include Zoology, Botany, Ecology, Wildlife Management and Vertebrate Biology
- Core courses include Field Methods in Wildlife Management and Conservation Science and Agricultural Law
Featured Courses
Resources
Student Organizations
The Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society at A&M-Commerce offers you experiences that enhance your understanding of wildlife conservationists and managers through volunteer work. Dedicate yourself to helping organizations and agencies managing wildlife in Northeast Texas as well as aid research efforts by graduate students, faculty members and agencies in the area.
Undergraduate Program Costs
Program Costs
Tuition and fees for undergraduate students taking 12 credit hours are $4,212 for Texas residents and $9,108 for non-residents.
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Contact Us
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences
- 903.886.5378
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011