Wildlife & Conservation Biology Major

Wildlife & Conservation Biology is the study of wild animal populations and how to conserve them. It is a major within Agriculture & Environment.

Wildlife and Conservation Biology is the study of wild animal populations, their habitats, and the strategies used to protect them. Students in this major learn how species interact with their environments, what causes populations to grow or decline, and how human activity affects ecosystems. The field combines biology with practical problem-solving: students examine questions like how to manage endangered species, what happens when invasive animals arrive in a new region, or how development affects wildlife corridors. The work involves fieldwork, data analysis, and understanding the ecological principles that underlie conservation decisions.

Students drawn to this major typically have a strong interest in animals and wild environments, along with curiosity about environmental challenges. They often enjoy working outdoors and solving real-world problems. The major typically begins with foundational courses in biology, ecology, and earth systems that establish how organisms and ecosystems function. As students progress, coursework becomes more specialized and applied, covering topics like population dynamics, conservation policy, and research methods. Upper-level study often includes hands-on field projects, lab work, and opportunities to engage directly with conservation efforts in local or regional settings.

Typical coursework

Course requirements vary by school, but a Wildlife & Conservation Biology program commonly includes topics such as:

• Wildlife ecology
• Conservation biology
• Population dynamics
• Habitat management
• Field methods
• Environmental policy

Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.

Degree levels

Wildlife & Conservation Biology is commonly offered at these levels:

• Bachelor's
• Master's
• Doctoral

Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).

Common career directions

Graduates with a Wildlife & Conservation Biology background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:

• Wildlife biologist
• Conservation technician
• Field researcher
• Park naturalist

Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.

General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.

Other majors in agriculture & environment

See all Agriculture & Environment majors →