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Wildlife and Conservation Biology Degree

BS On-Campus Main Campus
DEGREE TYPE

Bachelor's Degree

PROGRAM TYPE

Undergraduate

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Preserve species. Benefit society. Find your fearless.

The Wildlife Conservation Biology option prepares students for graduate study or careers in wildlife conservation, resource management and related fields at the state and national levels.

Make Your Mark in wildlife conservation

The Wildlife Conservation Biology curriculum combines coursework in ecology, plant biology and animal biology with opportunities to apply what you learn in the field.

Students can:

  • Study wildlife population and habitat management, conservation biology, wildlife toxicology, and wetlands ecology and management.
  • Gain hands-on experience through projects and facilities including the Miller Reserve Wetlands Restoration Project, Kelso Wildlife Sanctuary, Reis Biological Research Station and Diversity and Research Greenhouses.
  • Work with faculty advisors who are active in research and involve students in their research programs.

What Can You Do with a Wildlife Biology Degree?

The Wildlife Conservation Biology option prepares students for careers in conservation, research and natural resource management. Through hands-on learning and field-based experiences, students develop practical skills they can apply in wildlife and environmental careers.

Graduates can pursue roles such as wildlife biologist, conservation officer, environmental consultant, and park or field technician. SEMO Career Services also provides resources and support to help students connect their education with career opportunities.

Graduate School Opportunities of Recent Wildlife conservation degree Graduates

  • Southeast Missouri State University
  • University of Missouri-Columbia
  • Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Employment Opportunities of Recent wildlife conservation degree Graduates

  • Greenhouse Technician at Monsanto
  • Missouri Department of Conservation
  • Open Rivers & Wetland Field Station
  • Trail of Tears State Park
  • National Park Service
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Service

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Wildlife and Conservation Biology (BS) Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree.

View the Degree Map

Wildlife Conservation Degree Outcomes & Careers

  • $77k

    Wildlife Biologist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists is $77,920.

  • $74k

    Conservation Scientist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a conservation scientist is $74,310.

  • $64k

    Conservation Technician

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for forest and conservation technician is $64,640.

Your Path. Your Impact.

The wildlife and conservation biology curriculum includes coursework to prepare you to continue your education in graduate school or to start your career. You’ll complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours.

Required Courses:

  • BY163 Evolution & Ecology (4)
  • BY173 Cell & Organismal Biology (4)
  • BY283 Genetics (4)
  • BY389 Career Development in Biology (2)
  • CH184 General Chemistry I Lab (1)
  • CH185 General Chemistry I (3)
  • MI101 Introduction to Microcomputer Applications (3)
Choose one math course:
  • MA116 Precalculus A (3)
  • MA137 Precalculus (5)
  • MA139 Applied Calculus (3)
  • MA140 Analytical Geometry & Calculus I (5)
Experiential Learning Requirement: 2 hours
  • BY580 Development of Instructional Materials (3)
  • BY582 Internship in Biology (1-3)
  • BY585 Biology Field Studies (1-6)
  • BY587 Experience in Museum Curation (1-3)
  • BY591 Biological Research (1-6)
Wildlife and Conservation Option Required Courses:
  • BY320 Zoology (4)
  • BY330 General Ecology (4)
  • BY360 Plant Biology (4)
Choose 9 Hours From:
  • BY430 Management of Wildlife Habitat (3)
  • BY431 Management of Wildlife Populations (3)
  • BY432 Wetland Ecology and Management (3)
  • BY433 Wildlife Management Techniques (3)
  • BY435 Conservation Biology (3)
  • BY436 Wildlife Disease (3)
Biology Electives: choose at least 15 Hours not selected above
  • Any BY courses, 300 level and above (15)
Choose 3 Hours
  • BYxxx, EVxxx, GTxxx 300 level and above (3)

Non-Biology Requirements: 9 hours

  • GO110 Physical Geology (3)
  • GT101 Introduction to GIS 1 (3)
  • MA223 Elementary Probability & Statistics (3)

Some requirements may be fulfilled by coursework in major program.
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 hours
  • Constitution Requirement – 3 hours
  • Written Communication – 6 hours
  • Oral Communication – 3 hours
  • Natural Sciences – 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab)
  • Mathematics – 3 hours
  • Humanities & Fine Arts – 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
  • Additional requirements – 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
  • Civics examination

First Year    

Fall Semester (15-17 Hours)     
  • UI100 (1) 
  • BY163 (4) 
  • CH184/185 (4) 
  • MA116/137/139/140 (3-5) 
  • MI101 (3) 
Spring Semester (16 Hours)     
  • BY173 (4)
  • EN100 (3) 
  • MA223 (3)
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3) 

Milestone: achieve a target cumulative GPA of 3.0

Second Year    

Fall Semester (14 Hours)  
  • BY283 (4) 
  • BY332 (3) 
  • GT101 (3)
  • General Education (3) 
Spring Semester (14 Hours)    
  • BY389 (2) 
  • GO110/010 (3) 
  • BY Wildlife Elective (3)
  • General Education (3) 
  • General Education (3) 

Milestone: achieve a target cumulative GPA of 3.0

Third Year    

Fall Semester (15 Hours)    
  • ZO310/010 (4) 
  • Bi Wildlife elective (3)
  • Experiential Learning Crs (2) 
  • General Education (3)
  • General Education (3)
Spring Semester (15 Hours)     
  • BO310 (4) 
  • BY Wildlife Elective(3)
  • Biology elective (3) 
  • General Education (3)
  • Elective (3)

Milestone: achieve a target cumulative GPA of 3.0

Fourth Year    

Fall Semester (15 Hours)     
  • Biology Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
Spring Semester (15 Hours)  
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)
  • Elective (3)

Milestone: achieve a target cumulative GPA of 3.0

A “Milestone” signifies a significant stage for a student in the completion
of a degree.

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What will it cost?

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How Do Students Gain Experience in a wildlife biology degree program?

At SEMO, a wildlife conservation degree education goes beyond the classroom. The student chapter of the Wildlife Society provides peer support, activities, and guidance for students. Our students are also gaining valuable experience to complement their classroom work with internships and field experiences at:

  • Missouri Department of Conservation
  • World Bird Sanctuary
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Madikwe Game Reserve in South Africa
  • Whiterock Nature Preserve
  • Black Hills, South Dakota

Hands-on Learning as a Wildlife Biologist

You’ll gain hands-on real-world experience through required 80 hours outside the classroom, gaining experience conducting, presenting, and publishing research.
Experiential Learning
A biology student identifies and logs a turtle species during an Ecology Lab.

Additional Resources

Office of Admissions
Scholarships
Student Organizations & Teams
Department of Biology
College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Related Programs

Learn to use technology ranging from natural systems to artificial insemination to play a key role in planning for the efficient and safe future use of our animals, land, and other natural resources.
Program Details Degree Map

DEGREE TYPE

Bachelor's Degree

PROGRAM TYPE

Undergraduate

LOCATION

Main Campus - Cape

DEPARTMENT

Agriculture

Biological and Environmental Sciences

Contact Us

Location

Office

Rhodes Hall 224

Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 6200
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701
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Take the Next Step

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Take the Next Step

Biological and Environmental Sciences

Contact Us

Location

Office

Rhodes Hall 224

Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 6200
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701