Wildlife & Conservation Science (BS)

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The wild is calling

Our environment is ever-changing, and the relationships among its inhabitants is key to our future. Here, you will gain 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.

Where It Is Offered Commerce

Duration

4 years

Foreign Language

No foreign language credits required

Delivery Face-To-Face

Total Credit Hours

120-123 hours

Thesis Requirements

No thesis required

Wildlife and Conservation Science (BS) :: Links

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Degree Plan

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Wildlife and Conservation Science (BS) :: Links – transfer

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Degree Plan

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Wildlife & Conservation Science (BS) Agriculture Emphasis :: Is this Program a Good Fit for You?

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

Wildlife & Conservation Science (BS) Agriculture Emphasis :: SEE YOURSELF SUCCEED IN WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION SCIENCE

See Yourself Succeed with a Degree in Wildlife and Conservation Science

Environmental science students examining plants

Career Readiness

Acquire real-world work experience and prepare for your wildlife career with hands-on projects at approved work sites.

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.

Environmental scientist instructing student in water

Hands-on Research

Our faculty will help you tackle complex challenges and discover solutions with hands-on research in various fields.

Wildlife & Conservation Science (BS) Agriculture Emphasis :: PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

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.

Wildlife & Conservation Science (BS) Agriculture Emphasis :: Careers

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

Wildlife Biologist

$63,420

Conservation Scientist

$61,340

Private Game Farm or Ranch Manager

$67,950

US DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2018

Wildlife & Conservation Science (BS) Agriculture Emphasis :: EMPLOYER HIGHLIGHTS

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

Wildlife & Conservation Science (BS) Agriculture Emphasis :: INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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 Career Development and offer opportunities for A&M-Commerce wildlife and conservation science students.

Wildlife & Conservation Science (BS) Agriculture Emphasis :: MINORS

Minors

Agribusiness
Agricultural Education
Agronomy
Animal Science
Biological Sciences
Environmental Science

Equine Science
Equine Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences
Food Studies
Horticulture

Wildlife & Conservation Science (BS) Agriculture Emphasis :: WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

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

Wildlife & Conservation Science (BS) Agriculture Emphasis :: FEATURED COURSES

Featured Courses

Plant Diversity & Conservation BSC 436

Plant Diversity and Conservation. Three semester hours. The course focuses on patterns and distribution of plant diversity and threats to plant diversity. Range of strategies and approaches used in plant conservation will be discussed.

Principles of Sustainability BSC 464

Principles of Sustainability is a three hour course designed to provide an overview of the social and biological principles of sustainability. An emphasis will also be placed on understanding on the education, health, population dynamics, culture, agriculture, food security, and natural resources aspects of sustainability.

Wildlife Population Biology BSC 416

This course outlines processes governing the abundance and distribution of animals and plants, and the consequences for natural resource management. Practical applications lie in wildlife management, sustainable harvesting of resources, pest control and conservation of endangered species. Topics will include mathematical models of population growth, population viability analysis, and metapopulations, dispersal, population harvesting, predation, population cycles, and competition.

View Full Curriculum In The University Catalog

Wildlife & Conservation Science (BS) Agriculture Emphasis :: Student Organizations

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.

Wildlife Society students holding Earth Day banner

Animal Science (BA/BS) :: Program Costs 1.13a ReadyToEdit

Program Costs

As of Fall 2019, tuition and fees for an undergraduate student taking 15 credit hours through our 1 Year Optional Rate Plan is $4,478.52 for a Texas resident and $10,808.52 for a non-Texas resident. However, rates do change based on the number of credit hours taken, payment plan used and other factors.

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