Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Minor

Program Code: WFS_UMNR

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).

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
BIOL 110Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course4
WFS 209NWildlife and Fisheries Conservation Keystone/General Education Course3
WFS 430Conservation Biology3
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.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Contact

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF ECOSYSTEM SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT
117 Forest Resources Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7521

https://ecosystems.psu.edu