Be ready to meet the growing need for fisheries and wildlife management professionals.
You have always been passionate about the outdoors and the work to serve and preserve the natural world. You can fulfill your dream of a meaningful career with the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology at California University of Pennsylvania.
This bachelor's degree program at Cal U offers a broad core of courses focused on the biology and ecology of fish and wildlife, supplemented with courses in chemistry, physics, geography/geology and mathematics.
The fisheries and wildlife biology curriculum provides essential field opportunities through internships and undergraduate research projects. Its core content is enhanced by the breadth of the University's general education requirements.
Learn, specialize and prepare for professional certification.
The fisheries and wildlife biology degree program at Cal U provides a broad-based curriculum that introduces you to the various techniques and philosophies of fisheries and wildlife management. Almost all courses include a laboratory portion where you'll study the practical application of scientific theories and learn how to apply the scientific method with inquiry-based investigations.
Our undergraduate curriculum includes those courses identified by the Wildlife Society and the American Fisheries Society as critical to becoming certified by either society upon graduation. This undergraduate program also incorporates many applied education experiences, so students can network with future employers and develop professional contacts. Many of our graduates continue their studies in graduate school, while others enter the workforce.
ROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS: FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BIOLOGY
Professionals in demand: Cal U's challenging program fosters your expertise in fisheries and wildlife management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more zoologists and wildlife biologists will be needed to study the impact that human population growth and development has on wildlife and its natural habitats. Americans’ increasing demand for outdoor recreation and open space, as well as fish for the table, has resulted in a steady increase in the need for qualified aquatic ecologists and fisheries scientists. As energy demands intensify, fisheries and wildlife biologists will be needed to better manage the nation's renewable natural resources.
Solid foundation: The bachelor’s degree in fisheries and wildlife biology applies knowledge from many fields to the study and management of the environment. The curriculum focuses on developing an understanding of physical, chemical and geological sciences, along with a working knowledge of mathematics and statistics. You will study such topics as ecology, biodiversity, pollution, energy and sustainability. You'll be equipped to design, analyze and interpret environmental information and data.
Degree Benefits
The bachelor's degree in fisheries and wildlife biology offers you the flexibility to focus on a specific content area leading to certification by the American Fisheries Society or the Wildlife Society, if desired. The objectives for this degree program include:
- Develop knowledge of biological processes and structures occurring in fisheries and wildlife
- Provide laboratory and field experiences that promote scientific inquiry and application of experimental methods.
- Create opportunities for student research projects.
- Set the necessary foundation for continued professional growth in graduate school.
- Teach skills required for entry-level career positions with industry and governmental organizations.
Graduate Outcomes
A steady demand exists for wildlife and fishery biologists among private industry (e.g., consulting firms) and by state (e.g., the Pennsylvania Game and Fish commissions) and federal organizations such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Some students also choose to go on for master's or doctoral degrees. Devin DeMario ’07, for example, worked as a biologist aide for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission after graduation, then earned a master’s degree at Penn State. Today she advocates for science-based fish and wildlife conservation policies as a government affairs associate for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies in Washington, D.C.
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