Program Overview
Wildlife Ecology, BS
The Wildlife Ecology program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of species ecology, habitat management, monitoring techniques, and conservation. The program is based in the natural sciences and offers a mix of classroom, laboratory, and field instruction.
Program Overview
Wildlife ecologists study wild animals and their interactions with people, working largely outdoors to manage and conserve wildlife populations and their habitats. The Department of Wildlife Ecology was the first wildlife program in an American university and offers students the flexibility to customize their learning experience within one of two tracks: natural sciences and natural resources.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Wildlife Ecology program are well-prepared to pursue careers in public resource management agencies, educational institutions, private industry, and non-governmental organizations. They may also choose to pursue advanced degrees in wildlife and related fields or veterinary medicine.
Learn through Hands-on, Real-world Experiences
Wildlife ecology students learn through a variety of field and lab courses, including classes that focus on wildlife management, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals. They can also participate in a summer field course in northern Wisconsin, numerous internships, and research opportunities.
Build Community and Networks
Students can join the Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society and the Audubon Society, UW-Madison, and participate in volunteer activities, such as spring and summer frog surveys, summer fawn searches, and roadside clean-up.
Customize a Path of Study
Students have the flexibility to customize their learning experience by selecting from a variety of courses in consultation with their advisor. Courses include options in the natural sciences, as well as coursework that meets educational requirements for certification as a wildlife biologist by The Wildlife Society.
Make a Strong Start
Students can take an introductory course that gives them an orientation to wildlife ecology and introduces them to the major and professions within the field of wildlife management and conservation.
Gain Global Perspective
Wildlife ecology students are encouraged to participate in a study abroad experience, which can include an international course focused on the extinction of species that meets the CALS International Studies requirement.
Admission Requirements
- No application is required for students who meet the requirements.
- No specific courses are required to get in.
- No GPA requirements to get in.
- Students must have fewer than 86 credits to declare the major.
- Students who do not meet the requirements or are not in good academic standing should schedule a meeting with the CALS Dean on Call to discuss exceptions.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements, which include:
- BreadthHumanities/Literature/Arts: 6 credits
- BreadthNatural Science: 4 to 6 credits
- BreadthSocial Studies: 3 credits
- Communication Part A & Part B
- Ethnic Studies
- Quantitative Reasoning Part A & Part B
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Requirements
In addition to the University General Education Requirements, all undergraduate students in CALS must satisfy a set of college and major requirements, which include:
- Quality of Work: Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.000 to remain in good standing and be eligible for graduation.
- Residency: Students must complete 30 degree credits in residence at UW-Madison after earning 86 credits toward their undergraduate degree.
- First-year seminar: 1 credit
- International studies: 3 credits
- Physical science fundamentals: 4-5 credits
- Biological science: 5 credits
- Additional science (biological, physical, or natural): 3 credits
- Science breadth (biological, physical, natural, or social): 3 credits
- CALS Capstone Learning Experience: included in the requirements for each CALS major
Major Requirements
The major requirements for the Wildlife Ecology program include:
- Mathematics and Statistics: 5-6 credits
- Chemistry: 4-5 credits
- Biology: 10 credits
- Core courses:
- F&W ECOL 101: Orientation to Wildlife Ecology (1 credit)
- F&W ECOL 306: Terrestrial Vertebrates: Life History and Ecology (4 credits)
- F&W ECOL 318: Principles of Wildlife Ecology (3 credits)
- F&W ECOL 379: Principles of Wildlife Management (3 credits)
- F&W ECOL 561: Wildlife Management Techniques (3 credits)
- F&W ECOL 655: Animal Population Dynamics (3 credits)
- Plant Taxonomy: 4 credits
- Evolution/Genetics: 3-5 credits
- Vertebrate Taxonomy and Natural History: 5-6 credits
- Major Electives: 15 credits
- Capstone: 3 credits
Major Electives
Major electives can be chosen from a variety of categories, including:
- Physical Science
- Wildlife Resources and Technical Skills
- Anatomy/Physiology/Disease
- Conservation
- Forestry/Botany
- Ecosystem Ecology
- Policy, Administration, and Law
- Social Aspects of Natural Resources Management
University Degree Requirements
To receive a bachelor's degree from UW-Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students must also complete a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW-Madison and maintain a minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing.
Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes for the Wildlife Ecology program include:
- Define and explain basic principles in biological sciences and major concepts in wildlife ecology.
- Explain and discuss principles of wildlife management, including natural resource legislation, policy, and applications.
- Explain and apply the scientific methods, including designing and conducting experiments and testing hypotheses.
- Explain and demonstrate techniques for collection of data in laboratory and field settings, keeping accurate records, and analyzing data to address hypotheses.
- Demonstrate a style appropriate for communicating scientific results in written and oral form.
Four-Year Plan
A sample four-year plan for the Wildlife Ecology program is provided to assist students and their advisors in planning their academic career. The plan includes a mix of required and elective courses, as well as opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad.
Advising and Careers
Students are assigned an academic advisor and a faculty advisor in the department. Professional academic advisors help students plan their coursework and identify opportunities to get involved in department and campus activities. Faculty advisors help students with career planning and challenge them to think critically.
Wisconsin Experience
The Wisconsin Experience includes opportunities for internships, research, and study abroad. Students can also participate in volunteer activities, such as spring and summer frog surveys, summer fawn searches, and roadside clean-up.
Certification/Licensure
The Wildlife Biologist Certification is offered through The Wildlife Society (TWS). To be certified, students must complete a set of coursework requirements, gain professional experience, and pass a certification exam. The certification is valid for 5 years and can be renewed upon demonstration of adequate continual learning and professional development.
Resources and Scholarships
Department scholarships are available to wildlife ecology students, and fellowships are available to support research work with a professor. Students across the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences receive more than $1.25 million in scholarships annually.