Online Fish, Wildlife and Forestry Degrees with Program Summaries

Students interested in biology, nature and ecology can complete bachelor's and master's degree programs in fish, wildlife and forestry through Internet-based programs. Graduates of these programs find work with state natural resources departments, parks services and conservation groups.

Overview of Online Bachelor's Degree in Fish, Wildlife and Forestry

While online fish, wildlife and forestry bachelor's degree programs are uncommon, students can complete most of their Bachelor of Science coursework over the Internet. Students are expected to complete laboratory-based courses through a local community college or university. Programs emphasize conservation, and students often have the opportunity to participate in field-based internships.

Program Information and Requirements

With the exception of required biology lab classes, students can complete most of their fish, wildlife and forestry coursework entirely online. Lectures are delivered through streaming videos and students interact with classmates and teachers through e-mail and message boards. The program takes four years to complete.

List of Common Courses in an Online Fish, Wildlife and Forestry Bachelor's Degree Program

The courses required in a fish, wildlife and forestry online bachelor's degree program teach students about wildlife habitats and restoration, human interference in ecosystems and enforcement of wildlife law.

Wildlife Conservation Course

A wildlife conservation course covers natural resource conservation from a historical and practical perspective. Students also learn about wildlife management and research and the cost of conservation.

Ecology Course

An ecology course teaches students about the relationships between organisms and their environment. Students discuss ecological principles at various levels of species organization.

Population Dynamics Course

Through lectures and lab experiments, a population dynamics course teaches students how to manage wildlife populations. Students learn how to estimate population numbers, calculate healthy harvest levels and understand whether a species is at risk of extinction.

Career Information for Graduates

Graduates of a bachelor's degree program in fish, wildlife and forestry science can find jobs with state and national fish and wildlife services, parks agencies, zoos and conservation groups. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), those working as laborers in wildlife conservation made an average of $29,410 in 2009 (www.bls.gov). Payscale.com reports that entry-level wildlife biologists with a bachelor's degree made a median of between $28,000 and $49,000 annually in 2010.

Online Master's Degree Programs in Fish, Wildlife and Forestry

An online master's degree program in fish, wildlife and forestry allows students to specialize in such areas as natural resource conservation, development and management. Geared toward those already working in the field, these programs teach students about the effect of economics and public policy on the management and conservation of natural resources.

Program Information and Requirements

Often a 36-credit-hour program, the master's degree in natural resources takes 2-3 years to complete. Depending on the program, students may further their knowledge in land-based and water-based ecosystems, endangered species and the policies that affect natural resource management. Some programs require internships and campus-based final presentations, and some prerequisites can often be completed through local or other online colleges and universities.
Students make use of Internet tools including discussion boards, chat programs and e-mail. Time management, discussion participation and independent learning skills are often very important aspects of the program.

List of Common Courses in Online Fish, Wildlife and Forestry Master's Degree Programs

Specific courses vary by program and whether or not the student chooses a specialty, but the requirements of a fish, wildlife and forestry master's degree program often focuses heavily on natural resource management. Students learn about public policy, economics and natural energy resources.

Environmental Policy Course

Students learn about environmental policies, policy analysis and research methods in an environmental policy course. The methods of making and implementing public policy is also discussed.

Environmental Protection Course

Students may complete a course in environmental protection to learn about the laws, policies and agencies that govern environmental standards at local, state and federal levels. The course covers the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, National Environmental Policy Act and more.

Career Information for Graduates

Graduates of an online master's degree program in fish, wildlife and forestry or natural resources are qualified to work for natural resources departments, conservation agencies, zoos and ecological organizations. Often, master's degree holders work in managerial positions or enter the teaching field. The BLS reported that forestry workers earned a median of $53,750 a year in 2008, and those working for the U.S. government earned a median of $71,558 in 2009 (www.bls.gov).

Continuing Education Information

Students interested in becoming foresters might consider certification through the Society of American Foresters, which requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited program, five years in the field and successful completion of an exam. Another certification option is offered through the Society for Range Management, which offers rangeland management and rangeland consultant certifications.