Wildlife and Fisheries Resources, BS
You’ll learn about everything from the conservation and preservation of animal habitats to the subdisciplines of genetics, policy, and forest management, allowing you to identify and solve many possible issues related to wildlife.
Our program prepares you for careers as wildlife and fisheries biologists and managers, conservation biologists, fish hatchery personnel, and conservation officers, as well as a wide variety of natural resources specialists and managers.
Courses are lab-based with ample opportunity for valuable field experiences. You can choose a concentration in wildlife or fisheries (or both) to meet the requirements for professional certification as either a wildlife biologist (certified through The Wildlife Society) or fisheries biologist (certified through The American Fisheries Society).
Your Degree Plan
The Tradition of Hunting
WMAN 100
Introduction to the cultural and spiritual role of hunting; use of hunting as a wildlife management tool; and its economic value in wildlife conservation programs. Includes discussions on gun control, anti-hunting, and animal rights.
Principles of Conservation Ecology
WMAN 150
Overview of the science of conservation ecology with emphasis on the concepts of biological diversity, extension, habitat loss and fragmentation, establishment of protected areas, endangered species, and establishment and preservation of new populations.
Wildlife-Fisheries Camp
WMAN 205
A course in field ecology and wildlife/fisheries sampling techniques. Designed to introduce the beginning wildlife conservation professional to the science of collecting data on wildlife and fish populations in their natural habitats.
Wildlife Ecosystem Ecology
WMAN 313
Basic principles of ecosystem, community ,and population ecology. Emphasizing structure, function, succession, physiological ecology, population growth and regulation, and systems modeling.
Conservation Genetics
WMAN 330
Introduction to the principles of modern genetics needed to understand and manage important challenges in conservation of biodiversity including game, non-game, and endangered/threatened species.
Advanced Wildlife and Fisheries Management
WMAN 450
This is the capstone experience in the major. Students learn the principles and practices of wildlife and fisheries habitat and species management.
Fisheries Science
Wildlife Science
Honors
Expand your curiosity and enhance your curriculum through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations and Honors in Action.
The WVU Difference
What sets this program apart?
- The Natural History Museum, a collection of preserved Appalachian wildlife species housed within Percival Hall.
- Faculty mentors for all students.
- 75-acre Core Arboretum, with a variety of natural habitats.
- University Research Forest, comprising 7,600 acres with 60-80 year old stands of mixed oak and mesophytic hardwood types.
- Scholarship support from and numerous networking opportunities with Forestry and Natural Resources Alumni Association.
- Fisheries Sciences emphasis meets the course requirements for professional certification from the American Fisheries Society.
- Wildlife Sciences emphasis meets the course requirements for professional certification from the Wildlife Society.
- Small-school environment with all the resources of a large university. You’ll benefit from 1-on-1 faculty interactions and develop a close relationship with your faculty and peers.
Learn by Doing
Get involved outside the classroom.
Housed within our program is a U.S. Geologic Survey Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit that provides 3 additional faculty members who conduct extensive research around the country.
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources provides a liaison biologist who is a direct link to the state’s natural resources agency.
All faculty are actively engaged in research. You will have the opportunity to study and learn from them through volunteer experiences and summer employment opportunities working on fish and wildlife projects.
Education Abroad
WMAN 207 International Conservation offers the opportunity for spring break travel to places like Costa Rica and Ecuador. Our students have also studied in the Galapagos and South Africa.
- Women in Natural Resources
- WVU Archery Team
- WVU Chapter of Society of Conservation Biology
- WVU Chapter of the American Fisheries Society
- WVU Chapter of the Wildlife Society
- WVU Fishing Club
- WVU Fly Fishing Club
View all of the student organizations you can join.
Careers and Outcomes
How does this degree prepare students for a career?
Forest and Conservation Workers
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $43,680
Possible Job Titles: Forest Ranger, Forestry Support Specialist, Tree Farmer, Tree Planter
Natural Sciences Managers
Has a Bright Outlook
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $161,180
Possible Job Titles: Chemical Process Exploration Manager, Environmental Program Manager, Natural Sciences Manager, Research and Development Director (R and D Director)
Fishing and Hunting Workers
Median Salary: $36,750
Possible Job Titles: Commercial Fisherman, Hunter, Trapper, Wildlife Control Operator
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
Median Salary: $72,860
Possible Job Titles: Conservation Biologist, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Fisheries Biologist, Wildlife Biologist
Conservation Scientists
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $67,950
Possible Job Titles: Conservationist, Land Resource Specialist, Research Soil Scientist, Resource Conservationist
Environmental Restoration Planners
Has a Bright Outlook
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $80,060
Possible Job Titles: Coastal and Estuary Specialist, Habitat Restoration Specialist, Marine Habitat Resources Specialist, Restoration Ecologist
Industrial Ecologists
Has a Bright Outlook
May Require Graduate Degree
Median Salary: $80,060
Possible Job Titles: Ecologist, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Protection Agency Counselor, Research Scientist
Biological Technicians
Has a Bright Outlook
Median Salary: $52,000
Possible Job Titles: Biological Technician, Laboratory Technician, Research Associate, Research Technician
Forest and Conservation Technicians
Median Salary: $54,310
Possible Job Titles: Forest Technician, Forestry Aide, Forestry Technician (Forestry Tech), Resource Technician
Fish and Game Wardens
Median Salary: $68,180
Possible Job Titles: Game Warden, Natural Resource Officer, State Game Warden, Wildlife Officer
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers
Median Salary: $59,330
Possible Job Titles: Farm Supervisor, Harvesting Supervisor, Hatchery Manager, Logging Supervisor
Where our grads are working
Many of our graduates pursue work with the Department of Natural Resources in various states across the country, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and many other government and non-profit organizations.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Wildlife and Fisheries Resources major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.
Tuition and Aid
How much does Wildlife and Fisheries Resources at WVU cost? And how can you save?
Tuition and Fees
Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.
Ways to Save
Beyond scholarships, here are other ways to reduce your cost of attending WVU.
Financial Aid
The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Wildlife and Fisheries Resources, BS is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Ohio Tuition Reciprocity
As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Wildlife and Fisheries Resources can enroll at WVU and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.
Start at Another WVU Campus
You can start your career with WVU at another campus and transfer to WVU Morgantown.
Transfer Articulation Agreements
To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.
Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.
Request Info
Want to know more about Wildlife and Fisheries Resources at WVU? Fill out our request form to receive more information.
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