Be inquisitive

The Wildlife and Fisheries Biology major emphasizes the role of science to understand the natural world and solve pressing conservation issues. With expert faculty and outdoor learning in Vermont’s beautiful landscape, students embark on an exciting path to a career they will love.

Students choose to concentrate in either Wildlife or Fisheries and learn to apply their knowledge of organisms to real-world problems facing animal populations and people. Courses provide first-hand experiences in the field and build students’ skills.

Major requirements

University and School Requirements

Concentrations

All students enrolled in the Wildlife and Fisheries Biology major complete the same curriculum during the first year. As sophomores, students elect either the Wildlife Biology or the Fisheries Biology concentration.

View the 8-Semester Plan for each concentration.

Beyond the classroom

The Wildlife and Fisheries Biology curriculum includes summer field courses in ornithology and habitat and population measurements as well as laboratory and field work during the regular academic year. Fisheries students participate in field labs on Lake Champlain while on board the School's research vessel.

Explore Rubenstein School internship, career development, service-learning, research, and study abroad opportunities.

Graduate School

Many of our students are interested in pursuing graduate school after finishing our program. Students have entered Master of Science and Ph.D. programs in the US and abroad in a variety of fields related to fish and wildlife ecology, management, and conservation. Wildlife and Fisheries Biology faculty offer guidance, advice, and support for students interested in graduate education.

Student Involvement

  • Wildlife and Fisheries Society is a UVM student chapter of The Wildlife Society that offers educational and social activities. Students participate in field trips, assist state biologists with deer check stations, fish marking, habitat restoration, and faunal surveys, and travel to professional meetings.
  • Audubon UVM Chapter involves students in the science and protection of birds and follows the mission of the National Audubon Society. The club creates a space for students to engage with peers and community around bird conservation.
  • UVM Backcounty Hunters and Anglers Club is a collegiate club of the national Backcountry Hunters and Anglers organization. Students engage in helping to protect public lands and waters for hunting, fishing and enjoying the outdoors.

 

Plan Your Path to Graduation

8-Semester Plan in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology >>

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Graduate employment rate

95%

of UVM graduates are employed or continuing their education within 6 months of graduating.

Careers

  • Wildlife and fisheries management (state and federal agencies)
  • Wildlife and fisheries conservation (nonprofit organizations)
  • Wildlife and fisheries research (academic institutions)
  • Game warden/law enforcement (state and federal government)
  • Environmental consulting (private sector and nonprofits)
  • Animal care specialist (zoos and aquariums)
  • Conservation entrepreneur (local, national, and international)

Where alumni work

  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • National Park Service
  • U.S. Geological Survey
  • Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
  • Wildlife Conservation Society
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • World Wildlife Fund
  • Environmental consulting firms
  • Denver Zoo

Graduate Schools

  • University of Vermont
  • Cornell University
  • Duke University
  • Michigan State University
  • University of Arizona
  • University of Maryland
  • University of Michigan
  • University of Montana
  • University of Wisconsin
  • University of Wyoming
  • Yale University

Related Information

Minors

The Wildlife Biology minor is open to undergraduates in all UVM colleges/schools.

Minor requirements: 15 credits including Wildlife Conservation, Ornithology, Ichthyology, Principles of Wildlife Management and 6 additional credits in Wildlife courses. Learn more about the Wildlife Biology minor in the UVM catalogue.

Popular Courses

  • Ornithology (Bird identification and ecology)
  • Field Ornithology
  • Fisheries Biology and Techniques
  • Principles of Wildlife Management
  • Conservation Biology
  • Fisheries Management
  • Wildlife Behavior
  • Terrestrial Wildlife

Accelerated Master's Program

As an undergraduate student you can begin working toward an advanced degree before graduating and have the option of concentrating your Master's degree in Wildlife Science or in Aquatic Ecology and Watershed Science.

Learn more about the Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) in Natural Resources.