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Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management

Department of Biological Sciences

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management

Department of Biological Sciences

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

On-Campus

Program

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Full-Time, In-State Tutition

$5,010 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

Advance Your Understanding of Wildlife Ecology and Solve Real-World Conservation Problems

Minimize threats to nature and reduce conflicts between people and wildlife

A degree in wildlife management will open the doors to careers in state, regional, and federal agencies, as well as commercial businesses and non-profits. You can focus on conserving wildlife and natural resources, protecting habitats, managing wildlife populations, conducting research, reducing conflict between humans and wildlife, or contributing to policy administration. As our exceptional faculty participate in widespread research of wildlife conservation and ecology, they are your dedicated guides to student organizations, networking opportunities, internships, job openings, and graduate programs.

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Career Outlook


Zoologists and wildlife biologists are expected to be needed to help combat the loss of biodiversity caused by human activities, as well as to research climate-driven ecosystem changes. These workers also may be needed to develop and implement conservation plans to reduce threats to animals and protect natural resources.

Employment of zoologists and wildlife biologists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A degree in wildlife management can open the door to a wide variety of rewarding career opportunities.

Job Titles Include:

  • Game warden
  • Wildlife manager
  • Wildlife biologist
  • Zoologist
  • Conservation officer

EKU wildlife management graduates work in a variety of fields and positions.

Employers Include:

  • Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
  • U.S. Forest Service
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • The Wildlife Society
  • Ducks Unlimited
  • The Nature Conservancy

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Fast-track opportunities for students with 80 or more credit hours
  • Generous credit transfer policy
  • Apply for one or more departmental scholarships
  • Graduates meet certification requirements for Associate Wildlife Biologist status as established by The Wildlife Society (TWS)
  • Active student chapter of The Wildlife Society (TWS)
  • Active student chapter of Phi Sigma Biological Honor Society
  • Faculty members are working directly with state and federal agencies in scientific research to solve real-world conservation problems and gain new knowledge in the realm of wildlife ecology
  • Faculty not only bring their first-hand experiences into the classroom but also offer students opportunities to participate directly in various research projects to gain practical experience while they a

Program Options

Choose between two specialty concentrations that offer the opportunity to tailor the degree to specific career goals and give you a competitive edge in the state, regional, or national job market. Options include:

This concentration teaches students how to conserve nature for future generations and study the ecosystems that support wild animals. You can also learn to improve habitats for threatened species and common wild animals.

Students who choose this concentration learn to participate in the scientific management of game fish and wildlife and to help resolve conflicts between humans and wildlife that is overabundant or non-native.

Minors & Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors available for this program include:

  • Agriculture
  • Geography
  • Psychology

View the full list of minors available.

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree. Suggested certificates for this program include:

  • Environmental Education
  • Geographic Information Systems

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

Curriculum & Enrollment


Learn essential skills for today’s wildlife management careers. Our programs are made up of high-quality courses and taught by experienced professors. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as biology, ecology and evolution, botany, zoology, ichthyology, wildlife management and population analysis, wildlife resource policies, fire ecology, principles of soils, chemistry, advanced math and statistics, geography, and geographic information systems (GIS).

A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate with a wildlife management bachelor’s degree, including 15 credits of concentration courses.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit your materials noted below electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment counselor today.

Photo of Aida Bermudez

Aida Bermudez

College Enrollment Counselor

859-622-2902
aida.bermudez@eku.edu


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Contact Information

Department of Biological Sciences

521 Lancaster Ave.
Science 3238
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-1531
biology@eku.edu