Wildlife and Fisheries Science, BS
The Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Science provides a broad education to prepare graduates to conserve, protect, manage, and restore wildlife and shared natural resources. This program meets the world’s demand for natural resources professionals through interdisciplinary coursework and hands-on learning.
Program Overview
Wildlife and fisheries science tackles the management of populations of wild animals and fish in the best interest of the species and the public through coursework in biology, wildlife, fisheries, ecology, and natural resources. Housed within the School of Natural Resources, the opportunities are endless in this program.
Hands-on learning and fieldwork are what set this program apart from many. Classes take place across campus and Tennessee to provide valuable experiences with industry professionals.
Concentrations
The wildlife and fisheries science degree offers three concentrations: wildlife management, fisheries management, and wildlife health. The wildlife management and fisheries management concentrations are accredited by the Society of American Foresters under the Natural Resource and Ecosystem Management Standards.
Why study Wildlife and Fisheries Science?
Learn Outdoors
In addition to regular coursework, students gain real-world experience through labs and hands-on learning opportunities. Labs in the wildlife and fisheries science program differ from most, taking place in multiple research units, state parks, and wildlife management areas. The perfect program for those who want to get outside and get their hands dirty!
Fall Camp
During the fall semester of senior year, students in the wildlife management and fisheries management concentrations take fall block, or more commonly known as “fall camp.” Fall camp is often referred to as students’ favorite part of the wildlife and fisheries science program.
Fall camp is an intensive set of classes taken together and taught in a block format. Students participate in these courses all day, spending most of their time learning in a field environment. Through these courses, students gain hands-on training in their area of study, team-building skills, and a wide variety of other forestry or wildlife and fisheries management skills.
A Path to Vet School
For students who are interested in wildlife and fisheries science and want to pursue vet school, the wildlife health concentration checks all the boxes. This concentration provides training for biologists interested in ensuring the health of wildlife and fisheries populations, conserving wild species, and protecting domestic animals and humans from diseases spread by wildlife. The program also covers all of the required courses needed for vet school admission.
Student Organizations
Involvement in student organizations is a valuable part of the wildlife and fisheries science student experience. The Wildlife and Fisheries Society is a major-specific student organization that connects students and wildlife and fisheries industry experts to build professional skills. The Wildlife and Fisheries Society also attends competitions and events, such as the Southeastern Student Conclave.
What can you do with a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science?
The wildlife and fisheries science degree prepares students for many careers in agriculture and natural resources. Graduates pursue careers as park rangers, game wardens, conservationists, wildlife biologists, and freshwater biologists. Graduates of this program are also competitive for placement in graduate school programs in wildlife, fisheries, and natural resources.
Featured Courses
SNR 250 – Conservation
Use and abuse of wildland resources. Historical perspectives and current management of forests, wildlife, and fish of North America, including aspects of outdoor recreation and pollution problems.
SNR 315 – Principles of Wildlife and Fisheries Management
Ecological relationships of wild animals with other animals and their habitats. Biological, social, and economic aspects of their management.
SNR 325S – Wildlife Vegetation and Habitat
Introduction to interactions between plants and wildlife, including species of conservation concern. Emphasis is on plant species that comprise East Tennessee’s primary wildlife habitats, and the utility of vegetation data in management.
WFS 442 – Fisheries Techniques
Active and passive sampling techniques for fish and aquatic organisms. Population estimation methods, fish handling and transport, food habits analysis, and marking and tagging techniques. Age determination and incremental growth analysis. Stream assessment. Equipment and instrumentation usage and maintenance. Safety in sampling methods.
WFS 443 – Ecology and Management of Fishes
This course will cover the biological and ecological characteristics of game and non-game fishes, and how those characteristics influence the management of fish populations, communities, and habitat, with a focus on applied conservation and management issues.
WFS 445 – Ecology and Management of Wild Birds
Biological and ecological characteristics of game birds, endangered birds, and bird pests. Current principles and practices of wild bird management.
Admissions and Aid
Learn more about admissions and aid by visiting the links below.