Do you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors? Interested in fish, wildlife, and natural resources and hoping to turn this interest into a career?
You may want to obtain a bachelor's degree in wildlife management.
In this article, we'll answer common questions about this type of degree and whether or not it can be obtained online.
What Is a Wildlife Management Bachelor's Degree?
A bachelor's degree in wildlife management focuses on maintaining natural resources. It also explores the activities of wild animals within their natural habitats and the effects of human activity on these habitats.
Wildlife management degrees teach students to manage and maintain natural environments and ecosystems.
Students also learn how chemicals, natural occurrences, and human interactions can threaten wildlife environments.
Wildlife management degrees are an excellent choice for anyone interested in learning more about wild plants and animals, ecosystems, and the natural resources within these habitats.
Wildlife management is a versatile degree that can lead to many fulfilling careers in county, state, and natural parks and preserves.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Wildlife Management?
Frequently, those holding a bachelor's degree in wildlife management become fish and game wardens. However, this is just one possible job title to pursue with a wildlife management degree.
You could also pursue a career as a wildlife manager, a conservation officer, a natural resource officer, and more.
Wildlife management degrees can lead to many jobs focusing on the environment. These jobs often allow you to spend much of your time working outside, conducting field research and working independently.
Other possible job titles for those with wildlife management degrees include:
- ecologist
- fish culturist
- wildlife biologist
- natural resource manager
- aquaculture technician
Those with a bachelor's degree in wildlife management can pursue opportunities in fields such as habitat restoration, animal identification, and wildlife law enforcement.
They can also explore areas like marine research and wildlife rehabilitation. They may work as park rangers within national parks.
Some people who hold wildlife management degrees work for federal or state governments, while others work for private wildlife and research agencies.
Can You Get a Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Management Online?
Wildlife management degrees are very hands-on. They often require field training components and gaining experience in wildlife.
For this reason, wildlife management degrees are only available in person or in hybrid formats. Some programs may allow you to complete coursework online but will still have in-person components.
For example, you may need to complete one or more internship programs with a wildlife agency. This may mean traveling to a nearby state park or conservation area and working shifts outside.
If you are hoping to major in wildlife management, your best bet is to find a local school offering the degree and attend classes in person.
Depending on the school and degree program, you may be able to take night or weekend classes for added flexibility.
What Are Some Related Online Degree Programs?
Though online wildlife management bachelor's degrees are not available, many schools offer similar programs that are available online and may make you eligible for similar types of jobs.
Let's take a look at a few of these schools and the programs they offer.
1. Oregon State University
Oregon State University is located in Corvallis, OR. It offers an extensive array of online degree programs through its eCampus.
One of these programs is a Bachelor of Science in fisheries, wildlife, and conservation sciences. This program teaches students to promote balance among wildlife species and habitats.
Graduates of this online program can pursue careers as fish and game wardens, conservation officers, and more. 180 total college credits are required to graduate.
2. American Public University
American Public University is headquartered in Charles Town, WV. This private school is entirely online.
The school offers a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science. As an alternative, those specifically interested in wildlife management can pursue a certificate in fish and wildlife management.
Courses are offered in eight- and 16-week sessions. The bachelor's degree program comprises 120 credit hours, while the certificate program consists of 18.
3. Colorado State University
Colorado State University is located in Fort Collins, CO. Many of its degree programs are available in an online format.
If you already hold a bachelor's degree and would like to pursue leadership or management positions in wildlife management, consider obtaining a master's degree in fish, wildlife, and conservation biology.
This degree program consists of 30 credits and takes about two and a half years of full-time study to complete.
How Long Does It Take To Complete a Wildlife Management Degree?
If you are pursuing a bachelor's degree, you will need to accumulate at least 120 credits, usually about 40 total classes.
Most full-time students complete 25 to 30 credits each year, so it takes about four years to graduate if you study full-time.
If you are transferring previously earned college credits, you may be able to complete your degree more quickly.
On the other hand, if you study part time, it may take you longer than four years to finish your degree. It all depends on how quickly you progress through your classes.
If you decide to pursue a master's degree program, it will usually take two to three years to obtain your degree. Again, this will vary depending on whether you study full-time or part-time.
Get Your Online Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Management Today
A wildlife management degree is an excellent choice for an aspiring fish and game warden or other environmentally focused professional.
Though these degree programs are not available online, you may be able to find one in your area offering flexible night or weekend classes. You may also pursue related degrees that are available online.
