“What is your top major?”
September 27, 2019
Wondering what our top majors are? It’s a question we hear a lot, and we’ve got an answer that might surprise you.
Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Major
Love nature? What if your job could be preserving and protecting our wildlife and wildlands?
At a glance
Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology focuses on teaching you how to be good steward of our natural resources and how to solve complex environmental problems. You’ll gain a strong foundation in the biological, physical, and social sciences with an emphasis on conservation and sustainability of wild animals and their habitats. A summer field course at CSU’s mountain campus provides students with hands-on learning about natural resource ecology and measurements.
| Degree type | Bachelor of Science | |||
| Format | On campus | |||
| Part of | Warner College of Natural Resources | |||
| Competitive major? | No | |||
| Accelerated option? | No |
Not sure if this is the right major for you?
See all of them!
See all of them!
Concentrations
A concentration allows you to specialize in a certain area within your major, offering a depth of information and hands-on experiences that you may not otherwise get. Many students in this major will concentrate in one area to work in a specific field after college, as well as find mentors and internships before they even graduate.
Conservation Biology
You’ll focus on understanding the ecological processes necessary to conserve biological diversity with an emphasis on fish and wildlife species and their habitats.
Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
This concentration provides you with a strong background in basic fishery ecology, management, and conservation, which includes an understanding of the linkages between land and water.
Wildlife Biology
You’ll focus primarily on terrestrial vertebrates and their habitats, and builds a strong foundation in basic wildlife ecology, management, and conservation.
Some Career Options
Federal and state agencies that manage natural resources will likely offer you the most employment opportunities in fish, wildlife, and conservation biology. You’ll also find opportunities in the U.S. Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Geological Survey, National Park Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Reclamation, National Marine Fisheries Service, and state departments of wildlife and natural resources. Non-governmental organizations like The Nature Conservancy, private companies, and environmental consultants also offer excellent opportunities for graduates.
- Ecologist
- Endangered Species Specialist
- Environmental Consultant for Conservation Firms
- Fishery/Wildlife/Conservation Biologist
- Natural Resource Manager for State/Federal Agency
- Research Scientist
- Wildlife Refuge or Natural Resource Manager
Related CSU graduate programs
Tour and info session options
Tours may be available as part of Admissions tours and info sessions, offered throughout the year.
For additional opportunities, please reach out to:
Carmyn Ginnetti at carmyn.ginnetti@colostate.edu
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Explore even more
Want a more in-depth look at this major? Take a look at the program website to learn more.