Wildlife and Conservation Biology Major (B.S.)

The Wildlife & Conservation Biology major provides students with the knowledge and tools to study, conserve, and manage wildlife and their habitats. 

Our students combine science with their passion for nature and the outdoors.  Our courses emphasize hands-on experience and place fundamental principles within an applied context. Students are encouraged to conduct research alongside faculty, and faculty actively assist students in obtaining internships.

Our students become wildlife biologists and resource managers at state/federal agencies and non-profit organizations, conservation law officers, and environmental educators. Many go on to obtain an advanced degree.

Degree Requirements

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

In addition to the Wildlife and Conservation Biology degree requirements (below), students must complete the University Discovery Program and the University Writing Requirements. Given the flexibility of this major, students may also complete a minor or dual major in a second area of interest, or apply for certification by The Wildlife Society.

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NR 415 Natural Resources Field Methods & NR 417 Sophomore Seminar: Wildlife and Conservation Biology are 2-credit courses. Students should meet with their advisor for guidance on course load (e.g., 14-15 or 18 cr.) that best accommodate these courses while meeting the 128-credit which requires 32 credits per year (on average).

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Capstone can also be met with NR 663 Applied Directed Research in New Zealand UNH EcoQuest (or similar, approved experience) if taken as a senior, in the final year. An Honors Thesis/UROP/URA/SURF/Independent Study (or similar) cannot count as a Capstone for this major. 

Sample Course Sequence for Wildlife and Conservation Biology

Students will:

• Understand the ecological and societal value of biodiversity, sustainability, and environmental stewardship;
• learn/understand ecological concepts and fundamental principles and techniques to manage and conserve wildlife habitat and populations;
• know the taxonomy, ecology, and natural history of the majority of native flora and fauna in New England;
• locate, evaluate, and summarize information from both print and electronic media relevant to wildlife and conservation biology issues;
• effectively communicate scientific information in written and oral formats;
• master mathematical, statistical, and study design knowledge and skills, and use state-of-the-art software, hardware, and analytical techniques relevant to wildlife and conservation biology;
• be familiar with a variety of natural resource laws and regulations;
• understand how to integrate relevant social sciences and human dimensions approaches to address wildlife and conservation biology issues as part of multidisciplinary teams.