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Program Overview

Students can focus their studies on either wildlife or fisheries. They learn to apply their knowledge of organisms to real-world problems facing animal populations and people. There are extensive opportunities for students to learn hands-on skills, conduct undergraduate research, and participate in off-campus and study abroad programs. 

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 on board the Marcelle Melosira, ¶¶Òõ̽̽'s hybrid-electric research vessel.

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.

Curriculum

All Wildlife and Fisheries Biology students must complete the Rubenstein School Core Curriculum. The Wildlife and Fisheries Biology curriculum centers on using science to address complex problems facing species and populations, such as habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change, and balancing solutions with the needs of people. Courses emphasize applied ecology, techniques to sustainably manage populations given the tradeoffs between human demand and ecological realities, and hands-on experiences in labs and in the field. Students take required core courses in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology and then can select remaining courses tailored to their interests.

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

Admissions

¶¶Òõ̽̽ Undergraduate Admissions

Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Wildlife and Fisheries Biology Program will be able to:

• Understand and apply life history and concepts of behavior, ecology, population dynamics, and conservation biology to issues surrounding the management and conservation of fish and wildlife;
• Apply the scientific method – develop a hypothesis, use deduction to make predictions, observe and collect data (through appropriate sampling), analyze data, and use induction to infer, verify, or falsify the hypothesis;
• Effectively communicate scientific information for a variety of audiences and purposes;
• Define key local, national, and international environmental legislation, policies, and agreements, their impact on the management and conservation of fish and wildlife, and which agency/organization is responsible for their development and implementation;
• Evaluate the diversity of values, attitudes, and beliefs that affect the management and conservation of fish and wildlife within local, regional, and global contexts.

After Graduation

Wildlife and Fisheries Biology graduates find employment with federal and state government agencies, nonprofit conservation organizations, land trusts, zoos, and other employers, or they go on to graduate school. Program faculty are available to guide students as they forge their career paths. The Rubenstein School Student Services team also offers career development assistance.

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

Where Alumni Study

• 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

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Student Involvement

•  is a ¶¶Òõ̽̽ 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.
•  involves students in the science and protection of birds. The club creates a space for students to engage with peers and community around bird conservation.
•  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.