UND Wildlife Biology Degree Student Outdoors Duck Watching

Wildlife Biology Degree

B.S. with Major in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology

Transform your love of the outdoors into a rewarding career in wildlife biology.

Study our region's wide prairies or examine animal migration patterns as part of an integrated approach to wildlife biology. With extensive fieldwork and vertebrate and invertebrate museums, you'll find your niche in UND's Fisheries and Wildlife Biology program.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

Why earn a wildlife biology degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

UND's Fisheries & Wildlife Biology degree prepares you for jobs in state, federal, and private fisheries and wildlife organizations. Within this degree, you can specialize in either the fisheries or wildlife areas. Whichever track you choose, you'll immerse yourself in hands-on research, independent studies, internships and other experiential learning opportunities. You'll work in state-of-the-art facilities including:

  • Four field stations to study wildlife and fish in their natural habitats
  • Two greenhouses
  • Animal rooms for terrestrial and aquatic organisms
  • Vertebrate and invertebrate museums
  • A biology core molecular facility

UND's Wildlife Biology Degree Program

  • Shape your coursework to specialize in either the fisheries or wildlife areas and get certified in UAS and GIS.

  • Engage in independent studies under direct faculty supervision.

  • All students receive real-life experiences through course-related field experiences and internships at agencies and organizations.

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

  • Get hired! At UND, you'll receive help perfecting your resume, practice interviewing, and learn effective job-hunting strategies.

  • Raise your grades by getting free academic support at UND. We offer individual tutoring sessions, along with specialized writing and math support programs.

What can you do with a degree in wildlife biology?

73k

Median annual salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists, 2024

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

With a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology, you'll be able to pursue a wide range of rewarding careers, including:

  • Conservationist
  • Environmental scientist or consultant
  • Extension agent
  • Fisheries and wildlife manager
  • Marine biologist
  • Ecologist
  • Natural resource manager
  • Park ranger
  • Wildlife biologist

Fisheries and Wildlife Degree Skills

UND's Fisheries & Wildlife Biology degree program gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Wildlife tracking and surveys
  •  Statistical analyses
  •  Animal and plant identification

Jobs with a Wildlife Biology Degree

Fisheries & Wildlife Biology alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  •  North Dakota Game and Fish
  • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
  • Ducks Unlimited
  • National Parks Service
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture 

Fisheries and Wildlife Degree Courses

BIOL 315. Genetics. 3 Credits.

An introduction to genetics, with emphasis on classical genetic analysis and the biochemistry of gene transmission, expression and regulation. Prerequisite: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, and BIOL 151L or an equivalent approved by the department. F.

BIOL 333. Population Biology. 3 Credits.

Principles of population genetics, population ecology, and evolution in plants and animals. Prerequisite: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, and BIOL 151L. S.

BIOL 439. Conservation Biology. 3 Credits.

A course that integrates information from the disciplines of ecology, genetics, biogeography, economics, environmental policy, and ethics towards understanding how to maintain and restore biological diversity. F, odd years.

BIOL 432. Techniques in Wildlife Population Assessment. 4 Credits.

Techniques in Wildlife Population Assessment is a course designed to teach wildlife biology students the techniques used to assess wildlife populations for conservation and management. Students learn the appropriate situations to use the techniques, how to properly conduct the procedures, how to collect data from the use of these techniques, and how to report the findings to a variety of audiences. The structure of the course is designed to teach students proper research methodology so that they not only know how and when to use the techniques, but also how they can apply their findings to make appropriate management recommendations for wildlife conservation and management under a variety of settings or conditions. Prerequisite: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, and BIOL 151L. F, even years.

BIOL 442. Physiology of Organs and Systems. 3 Credits.

Study of the physiology of organs and organ systems in vertebrates. Prerequisite: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, BIOL 151L, and Junior or Senior standing or an equivalent approved by the department. F.

BIOL 430. Human Dimensions of Wildlife and Fisheries. 3 Credits.

This course explores interactions among humans and fisheries and wildlife resources, with a focus on principles important for understanding and addressing wildlife management. Topics will include public attitudes, expectations and diverse values of fisheries and wildlife resources; stakeholder engagement; public relations; governance; philosophy and ethics of resource use and management; and human dimensions research methodology. Prerequisite: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, and BIOL 151L. S, odd years.

Learning to Lead

Students gain experience in the field when working with Ducks Unlimited to study nesting behavior.

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