Undergraduate Programs
The Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology is committed to providing a program of high-quality instruction and personal attention to its students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Teaching awards have been granted to several faculty at the college, university, and national levels. The number of distinguished teaching awards is greater than half the number of faculty.
Undergraduate education provides the broad, science-based knowledge necessary for a student to assume a professional position in forest and/or wildlife resource management and conservation, or to prepare for graduate studies. With a solid grounding in quantitative methods, the undergraduate program produces decision-makers with strong analytical skills.
The undergraduate major in Wildlife Ecology can be earned as a Natural Sciences degree, a Natural Resources degree, or as an Agriculture and Natural Resources degree. Requirements vary for the two degrees so students should review the two degree programs before deciding which is most appropriate for them. Both provide a solid foundation in Wildlife Ecology but students intending to pursue graduate studies should probably choose the Natural Sciences degree.
The undergraduate major in Forest Science is offered as a Natural Resources degree with four options: forest management, forest conservation, forest ecology and international forestry. Three of these options (forest management, forest conservation and international forestry) are accredited by the Society of American Foresters.
Students often are undecided as to which major, degree or option to follow, so we recommend talking with advisers and upperclassmen before making this decision. Students will often choose electives that satisfy two or more options within a degree, or even to double major, until they are satisfied with their career direction. Deciding upon a career is not an easy matter, so consider discussing your plans with faculty and staff advisers and your family. Get involved in The Wildlife Society or the Society of American Forests to gain a better perspective from associating with other resource professionals.
Updated: 2008.05.08