Wildlife and Conservation Biology

Degree: BS Mode of study: On-Campus Location: Main Campus
Degree Type
Bachelor's Degree
Program Type
Undergraduate
Location
Main Campus - Cape
College
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Department
Biology
Careers
<span class="TextRun SCXW13384836 BCX0" data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW13384836 BCX0">Wildlife biologists work with fish and wildlife in fields like conservation and research. Interests include zoology, math, and geography.</span></span>
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a wildlife and conservation biology degree student smiles as she writes on a whiteboard next to pictures during a class activity

Preserve species, benefit society: that’s what we do.

A wildlife and conservation biology option is for the student who is preparing to do graduate or seeking a career in national and state conservation and resource management.

What You’ll Do

The curriculum includes rigorous coursework in ecology, plant biology, and animal biology. It prepares you to work one-on-one with nature in some beautiful environments.

  • Complete coursework on management of wildlife populations and wildlife habitat, conservation biology, wildlife toxicology, and wetlands ecology and management.
  • Gain hands-on experience at the Miller Reserve Wetlands Restoration Project, the Kelso Wildlife Sanctuary, the Reis Biological Research Station, and the Diversity and Research Greenhouses.
  • Engage with faculty advisors who are both active in research programs and readily involve students in their research programs.

What Can You Do with a Wildlife and Conservation Biology Degree?

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time. 

Graduate School Opportunities of Recent Graduates

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

Employment Opportunities of Recent 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

Wildlife and Conservation Biology (BS) Degree Map

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

View the Degree Map

Outcomes & Careers

  • $67k

    Wildlife Biologist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists is $67,430.

  • $6k

    Conservation Scientist

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a conservation scientist is $69,810.

  • $45k

    Conservation Technician

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for forest and conservation technician is $45,000.

What You'll Study

Degree Map

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 to complete this degree, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours.

What will it cost?

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How Do Students Gain Experience?

At Southeast, a biology 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

You’ll gain hands-on real-world experience through required 80 hours outside the classroom, gaining experience conducting, presenting, and publishing research.

Experiential Learning

Happening in Biology

The Will to Do

Get a glimpse of classrooms, labs, and our talented students in the Department of Biology.
  • two biomedical sciences students completing a lab assignment together
  • Two biology students smile while looking in a microscope during a lab
  • A biology student sterilizes a tool in a biology lab
  • a biology student's gloved hands covered in dirt writes on plant markers during a lab
  • Biology students manage a bed of soil in the biology diversity greenhouse.

Additional Resources

Related Programs

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Biology
Contact Us
Phone
(573) 651-2170
Location
Office
Rhodes Hall 224
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 6200
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701

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