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Program Description
The Wildlife and Fisheries Science minor provides non-majors with an introduction to the principles and practices of wildlife and fisheries conservation, research, and management. Although the minor includes both wildlife and fisheries course offerings, courses may be selected to provide a focus in one area or the other.
What is Wildlife and Fisheries Science?
Wildlife and Fisheries Science includes study of the conservation, management, ecology, behavior, and identification of wildlife and fish species; the terrestrial and aquatic habitats where they live; and application of that knowledge to conserve and manage biodiversity and ecosystems.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES SCIENCE
You Might Like this Program If...
- You are concerned about society's impact on biodiversity and ecosystems.
- You are interested in conservation and management of wildlife and fish species.
Program Requirements
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| Requirements for the Minor | 22 |
Requirements for the Minor
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10. In addition, at least six credits of the minor must be unique from the prescribed courses required by a student's major(s).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| BIOL 110 | Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity  | 4 |
| WFS 209N | Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation | 3 |
| WFS 430 | Conservation Biology | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 12 credits of the following: | 12 | |
| The Vertebrates | ||
| Ornithology | ||
| Mammalogy | ||
| General Fishery Science | ||
| Ecology of Fishes | ||
| Limnology | ||
| Wildlife Management | ||
| Wetland Science and Sustainability | ||
| Ichthyology | ||
| Wildlife Behavior | ||
| Amphibians and Reptiles | ||
| Fishery Management | ||
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
Ellen A. Rom
Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs and Alumni Relations
114 Forest Resources Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-0362
exr2@psu.edu
Career Paths
The Department of Ecosystem Science and Management career development and employment opportunities websites offer a variety of resources to assist you in exploring professional pursuits related to natural resources and environmental science.
Careers
Employment in the wildlife and fisheries professions is highly competitive. Related work experience is often required for postgraduation employment. Students get that experience from summer jobs, internships, or independent study projects. Flexibility in job location and willingness to accept seasonal or part-time work can increase employment prospects.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
The Wildlife and Fisheries Science minor can help prepare students for graduate-level study in wildlife, fisheries, and related disciplines.