Wildlife and Fisheries Science Major
Take your career into the wild.
Hard science and hands on, this is in-the-field study of fish, wildlife, and their ecosystems. Grads work for state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, or continue on to advanced degrees.
Biology, bug spray, and backpacks.
Your Wildlife and Fisheries Science education starts with the classic classroom science challenges—biology, chemistry, and physics. But don’t get too comfortable at your desk. We roll up our sleeves, get our feet wet, break a sweat, and take our curiosity to forests, fields, rivers, and lakes that fish and wild animals call home. A good pair of boots are essential scientific instruments in this major. The Pennsylvania wilds are our laboratory.
Wildlife and Fisheries Science is the right major if you’re:
- fascinated by wildlife
- passionate about the conservation of our precious natural resources
- a solid science student
- best at learning hands on
- outdoorsy and love doing something different everyday
See the University Bulletin for details on program requirements, suggested academic plan, and more.
One major. Two Options. Infinite destinations.
Wildlife option
This path focuses on the science relevant to understanding and managing wild mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Example courses
- Field Dendrology
- Mammalogy
- Ornithology
- Wildlife Management
Fisheries option
This path focuses on the science relevant to understanding and managing fish and their natural habitats.
Example courses
- Ecology of Fishes
- Ichthyology
- Vertebrate Laboratory
- Wildlife and Fisheries Population Dynamics
Ag Journeys
“College is the time to try new things.”
– Hunter Kauffman
Choose your own adventure.
The syllabus is just the beginning of your Wildlife and Fisheries Science experience. There are faculty-guided clubs, internships, externships, or hands-on research opportunities for every kind of academic interest, and every kind of fun.
¿Cómo se dice trout? Study abroad opportunities abound for those who want to push borders of every kind.
Craft your experience.
Related clubs and teams
- Penn State Fly Fishing Club
- Penn State Woodsmen Team
- Penn State Spur Collectors
- Society of American Foresters
- The Wildlife Society
- See all clubs and teams
Recent internships
- Animal care intern
- Bat technician
- Biologist aide
- Field research assistant
- Field traineeship
- GIS intern
- Seasonal fisheries biologist aide
- Tour guide
Popular study abroad
- Christchurch: Lincoln University
- Costa Rica Tropical Field Ecology
- School for Field Studies, Tanzania
- South Africa: Parks and People
A college experience you’ll love—in a field where you can make a difference.
Penn State Wildlife and Fisheries Science grads are all over the world protecting wild animals and the ecosystems where they live.
Our alumni out in the world
- Aquariums
- Environmental education centers
- Conservation districts
- Wildlife management agencies
- Fish hatcheries
- State and national parks
- Graduate and professional schools
- Universities
- Zoos
Wildlife and Fisheries Science Career Options
What can I do with a Wildlife and Fisheries Science degree? Here are just a few career examples:
Wildlife/fisheries biologist
A wildlife/fisheries biologist studies aquatic and land animals, their environments, and human impacts on their ecosystems.
What will I do?
- Conduct census projects, research studies, and complex data analyses of wild animals
- Study diseases that affect animals and their transmission
- Trap, tag, or relocate animals and fish for conservation purposes
- Publish findings in academic and scientific journals
- Collaborate with game wardens and law enforcement personnel
Game warden/conservation officer
A game warden/conservation officer enforces hunting and fishing laws and regulations.
What will I do?
- Serve as a law enforcement officer—investigate criminal behavior, gather evidence, make arrests, and testify in court
- Teach fishing and hunter education and firearms safety
- Observe wildlife and their environment, and collaborate with agency biologists
Fishery manager
A fishery manager directs and oversees fish farm and fish hatchery activities, where aquatic life is cultivated, cared for, studied, and then released into their natural habitat or harvested for food.
What will I do?
- Train and supervise fishery staff
- Prepare and distribute food and medications
- Monitor fish health and growth
- Maintain equipment and monitor water quality
- Coordinate with research/conservation organizations
Environmental education specialist
An environmental education specialist teaches wildlife/fisheries biology and conservation.
What will I do?
- Lead field trips and classroom programs
- Facilitate teacher workshops
- Create educational materials for use in presentations, including posters, banners, and workbooks
Wildlife and Fisheries Science students in the news
August 26, 2020
Student completes virtual internship with state Fish and Boat Commission
Junior Matthew Bellia, an Environmental Resource Management major in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, spent his summer completing a research-based internship with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Read More
April 22, 2019
Penn State wildlife and fisheries science senior shines as presenter at meeting
Ben Kline, a wildlife and fisheries science major in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, recently was celebrated for giving an informative presentation at a professional conference.
Read More
April 5, 2019
Student workers receive hands-on experience with deer at Penn State center
Penn State’s Deer Research Center, commonly referred to as “the deer pens,” has been an endearing part of many students’ college experiences since the 1970s, providing a one-of-a-kind opportunity for hands-on learning about one of the state’s most recognizable mammals.
Read More
Explore more
Resources
- Admissions
- Tuition and Financial Aid
- Scholarships
- Preparing for Veterinary School
- Student Life
- Study Abroad
- Internships
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
See the University Bulletin for details on program requirements, suggested academic plan, and more.
Contact
- Director of Student Recruitment and Activities
- Email mnm11@psu.edu
- Office 814-863-3942
