fisheries and wildlife biology students in lab

Fisheries and Wildlife BiologyB.S.

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

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

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

Why study fisheries and wildlife biology at UND?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 17
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

For stewards of the outdoors, the Fisheries & Wildlife major at UND helps prepare you for positions 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 have the opportunity to immerse yourself in hands-on research, independent studies, internships and other experiential learning opportunities — and prepare for a rewarding career in the industry.

With extensive opportunities on campus and outside of Grand Forks to study wildlife and fish in their habitats/ecosystems, you'll have many chances to get a first-hand look at the career you want.

Fisheries and Wildlife Biology at UND

  • Shape your coursework to specialize in either the fisheries or wildlife areas.

  • Engage in independent studies under direct faculty supervision.

  • Work in state-of-the-art facilities including three greenhouses, animal rooms for terrestrial and aquatic organisms, tissue culture facilities, a biology core molecular facility and four field stations.

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

Fisheries and Wildlife Biology Careers

63K

Average annual salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

5%

Anticipated job growth for zoologists and wildlife biologists

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

With a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife, 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

A Fisheries & Wildlilfe Biology degree gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Biology
  • Ecology
  • Collections
  • Environmental Compliance
  • Environmental Science
  • Data Collection

UND Fisheries & Wildlife Biology Alumni

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

  • Idaho Chapter of The Wildlife Society
  • Cabela's, Inc.
  • Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
  • Envoy Air, Inc.
  • Excel Engineering, Inc.

Fisheries and Wildlife Biology Courses You Could Take

BIOL 315. Genetics. 3 Credits.

An introduction to genetics, with emphasis on classical genetic analysis and the biochemistry of gene transmission, expression and regulation. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisites: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, BIOL 151L, and MATH 98 or higher. 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. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisites: 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. Prerequisites: 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.

Explore More Options

Looking to add a double major, pursue graduate work or connect with the department?

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