Wildlife Resources

Prepare for Success

If you are concerned about the environment and our natural resources and would like to make a contribution to ensure that fish and wildlife species and their habitats are part of the future, a degree from the Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences is for you. 

Your First Year

During your first year, you may complete the following courses:

• Introduction to Chemistry
• Fundamentals of Public Speaking
• College Writing & Rhetoric
• Exploring Natural Resources
• Introduction to The Fish and Wildlife Professions
• Introductory Biology, Geology and Calculus

Our program attracts transfer students from across the country thanks to the high level of expertise of our internationally recognized faculty and research. To make your transfer process as seamless as possible, visit the College of Natural Resources Student Services Center.

What You Can Do

The Bachelor of Science degree in the Wildlife Science program will give you the knowledge and expertise to begin your career in federal and state government, or with natural resource-oriented businesses or nonprofit organizations. Many students also go on to pursue graduate degrees.

As a wildlife professional, you may:

• Watch peregrine falcons on the rooftops of New York City or on the breaks of the Missouri River in Montana
• Follow calf elk equipped with radio transmitters
• Capture and tag song birds in mist nets
• Collect and identify plants in a wilderness area
• Use genetic analysis to estimate the number of bears in a national park
• Observe and research newly introduced wildlife such as wolves
• Use the latest remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) or other computer technology to help conserve an endangered species

Opportunities

Examples of federal, state and conservation agencies and nonprofit groups that employ our graduates include:

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• The Nature Conservancy
• Idaho Department of Fish and Game 
• The Bureau of Land Management

Current Research

Current faculty research in wildlife science includes:

• Discovering How Fire Affects Primary Cavity Nesters and Secondary Users: Kerri Vierling, associate professor of wildlife science, is studying woodpeckers as a keystone species – one whose presence is a positive influence on forest diversity. The cavities created by woodpeckers are important resources for squirrels, bats and other bird species that use the cavities for breeding and roosting throughout the year.

Hands-On Experience

• Approved Work Experience/Internship: The wildlife science program requires hands-on practical experience. Approved work experience and internships allow you to learn firsthand about wildlife resources and how the field interfaces with other natural resource professions. Our faculty works personally with students to coordinate field experiences, such as collaborating with Idaho ranchers to evaluate wild species that are candidates for listing under the Endangered Species Act.

• Undergraduate Research: The DeVlieg Foundation sponsors an inquiry-based learning program at Taylor Wilderness Research Station. Each student develops a scientific research proposal, conducts research in the wilderness, writes a research report on the project and presents results at a professional meeting. Topics may be selected by students or be part of a larger research project. Students are assisted by a faculty adviser and field station managers to develop the study plan, collect field data and report on research. Students receive 2-4 credits. 

• Bleak Taylor Ranch Field Station Wilderness Internship: This 10-week summer program at Taylor Wilderness Research Station in the heart of the Frank Church wilderness is designed to give students hands-on experience in a breadth of field techniques for natural resource research and management.

Faculty Involvement

Our advising process is facilitated by faculty and staff members who provide one-on-one academic and professional advising and assistance with developing your academic plan.