Wildlife and Fisheries Resources
The Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Program (WFR) prepares students for careers as wildlife and fisheries biologists, toxicologists, fish hatchery personnel, conservation officers and planners, animal damage control specialists, as well as a wide variety of natural resources communication specialists and managers. Courses in the major are lab-based with ample opportunity to gain valuable field experiences.
Program Admission and Curriculum
Students who meet University admission requirements may be accepted directly into the Davis College as Wildlife and Fisheries Resources majors. To earn a bachelor’s degree, all students must complete 128 credit hours including the General Education Curriculum required by the University. Students can focus their course of study through the selection of classes within the restricted electives category. In consultation with their academic adviser, students can choose an area of emphasis in either wildlife or fisheries that will prepare them for their intended career paths.
As a science-based program of study emphasizing the integration of ecology and societal values, the WFR curriculum prepares students for a wide array of opportunities in this field. Our faculty is dedicated to developing the next generation of young fisheries and wildlife professionals while recognizing the differing needs of our student body. Students gain the qualities, skills and experiences needed by and expected of professionals in this field in a hands-on environment that takes advantage of the abundant “natural classrooms” in the area.
Core courses within the major include, but are not limited to, introduction to wildlife and fisheries management, conservation ecology, forest limnology, renewable resources policy, fish management, forest management, soil science and drendrology. Complete course requirements and descriptions can be found in the current WVU Undergraduate Catalog.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates from this program typically follow one of two career tracts – employment with state or federal resource agencies, non-government organizations or private consultant firms, or they continue their education in graduate school. Earnings in these fields range widely with the size and scope of positions. Entry-level positions reported starting salaries of $30,000 – $61,000 per year.
