密歇根州立大学

The Fisheries and Wildlife undergraduate major is focused on the interactions between humans and the natural world. Students benefit from courses that link three foundational topics: (1) the ecology of Earth’s ecosystems and their animal populations, (2) the diversity of ways in which people use and value natural resources, and (3) the application of management techniques, informed by scientific understanding and guided by human goals and values, to meet the global challenges that threaten the sustainability of Earth’s ecosystems and their animal populations. The program of study includes course work in the life sciences, social sciences, and field, lab and analytic techniques; it also includes an experiential learning component, such as study abroad and/or professional internships. This program prepares students with interests in the life sciences, social sciences, and environmental policy for rewarding careers in fisheries, wildlife, or water quality management, conservation biology, animal health, and applied ecology. Our graduates most typically find employment with state and federal natural resource agencies, non-profit environmental organizations, private companies and consulting firms, as well as universities and colleges.

Fisheries and wildlife undergraduates pursue their particular interests through completion of one of the following six concentrations, each of which delves more deeply into particular sub-components of this broad field.

Conservation Biology focuses on the science of analyzing and protecting the earth’s biological diversity drawing from the biological, physical and social sciences, economics, and the practice of natural resource management.

Fisheries Biology and Management is designed for students interested in the research and management of fish, other freshwater and marine organisms, and the ecosystems that sustain them.

Wildlife Biology and Management is for students interested in understanding and managing terrestrial habitats and animals including game, non-game, and endangered species.

Water Sciences is designed for students interested in examining the biological, physical, chemical, geological and hydrological aspects of lakes and ponds, rivers and streams, wetlands and ground waters including water quality. This concentration provides students with an understanding for protecting and restoring water resources around the Great Lakes and the world.

Fish and Wildlife Disease Ecology and Management is designed to provide students with an improved understanding of the emergence and spread of infectious diseases and the likely consequences that increased contact between fish and wildlife, and domestic animal and human populations have on these environmental problems.

Pre-veterinary is designed for students who are interested in careers in veterinary medicine and satisfies the course requirements for admission to Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dual advising at the College of Veterinary Medicine is required.

Students who complete the requirements for the Fisheries and Wildlife major and choose elective courses appropriately can also satisfy requirements for certification by: the American Fisheries Society as an Associate Fisheries Scientist; the Wildlife Society as an Associate Wildlife Biologist; the Society of Wetland Scientists as a Wetland Professional-in-training.