Wildlife Ecology and Management

Work at the Interface of Wildlife Species, the Environment, and Humans

The Wildlife Ecology and Management program at University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point prepares students to study, manage, and conserve wildlife populations and their habitats through science-based practices and hands-on field experience. Offered as both a major and a minor, the program provides students with the ecological knowledge and management skills needed for careers in wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, research, and natural resource management.

The Wildlife Ecology and Management Major gives students a strong foundation in wildlife biology, ecology, conservation, and land management while offering opportunities to pair their degree with complementary minors such as captive wildlife, conservation biology, and conservation law enforcement. These areas allow students to expand their expertise in topics ranging from wildlife rehabilitation and zoo management to invasive species ecology and environmental law enforcement.

The Wildlife Minor is ideal for students in the College of Natural Resources who want to deepen their understanding of wildlife ecology, management, and conservation while pursuing related majors such as Forestry, Environmental Science, or Conservation Law Enforcement. Through wildlife-focused coursework and experiential learning opportunities, students gain valuable skills that support careers in conservation and natural resource management.

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Wildlife Ecology and Management Major

WHAT TO EXPECT

Courses focus on the problem-solving and scientific skills you need to understand the ecological interactions affecting wildlife management, including game, non-game, endangered, and invasive species. In addition, we offer practical, hands-on experiences inside and outside the classroom. Our program also qualifies you for a wildlife biology certification by The Wildlife Society. 

Wildlife ecology and management graduates typically work in federal, state, and private management organizations with positions such as: 

GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS

Discover your passions, build your resume, and make friends along the way! Whether it is joining a student organization, working at one of our centers, or participating in research at one of our three field stations, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved.

• Join the student chapters of The Wildlife Society, Ducks Unlimited, or any of our other 200+ student organizations housed within Campus Activities and Student Engagement.

• Our Wisconsin Center for Wildlife and Center for Watershed Science and Education provide opportunities for you to work side-by-side with faculty and staff, conducting scientific research and performing laboratory analysis. 

• Present your research findings at professional meetings, conferences, and our annual Jim and Katie Krause CNR Student Research Symposium. 

• Read the CNR Reporter, a weekly newsletter, for information on upcoming presentations, student organization meeting times, and other important happenings on and around campus.

GAIN EXPERIENCE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

Prepare for your career with additional hands-on experiences in all areas of natural resource management during a required summer field experience. You can choose between our six-week, hands-on summer field experience at our Treehaven field station or on-campus, or participate in our European Environmental Seminar and learn how European natural resource management compares to the United States.

Summer internships and jobs are another great way to build your resume. We make them easy to find through our partnership with Handshake.

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Wildlife Minor

The Wildlife Minor at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP) is ideal for students in the College of Natural Resources (CNR) who want to deepen their understanding of wildlife ecology, management, and conservation. This minor allows students to explore wildlife-focused coursework while pursuing majors like Forestry, Environmental Science, or Conservation Law Enforcement.

What Is the Wildlife Minor?

The Wildlife Minor (19–22 credits) offers students an opportunity to gain specialized training in wildlife-related subjects. It is designed for those who want to integrate wildlife management skills into careers like:

• Forestry with a wildlife emphasis
• Natural resources law enforcement
• Environmental consulting
• Habitat restoration and management

This minor is open only to majors within the College of Natural Resources.

Required Foundations

Most CNR students already take the Introduction to Fisheries, Forestry, and Wildlife course as part of the college core. This class also satisfies a key requirement for the minor, making it easier to incorporate into your degree plan.

Course Options and Electives

To complete the Wildlife Minor, students select from a range of wildlife biology and ecology electives. These courses provide taxonomic and ecological depth in areas that match career interests.

Elective Topics May Include:

• Mammalogy
• Waterfowl Ecology and Management
• Carnivore Ecology
• Ungulate Ecology
• Wildlife Habitat Management

This flexible structure allows students to tailor the minor to their specific career goals, whether working with a particular species group, studying wildlife behavior, or managing habitat.

Who Should Consider This Minor?

This minor is especially beneficial for students majoring in:

• Forestry
• Environmental Science and Management
• Conservation Law Enforcement

If your goal is to work with wildlife or land management agencies or to apply wildlife knowledge to forestry, law enforcement, or environmental education, this minor provides the tools you need.

Learn More

For full course listings, elective options, and guidance on how to integrate this minor with your CNR major, visit the UWSP Catalog page or talk to your academic advisor.

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Meet Your Faculty and Staff

The faculty members within the Wildlife discipline bring a wide array of knowledge and experience to our indoor and outdoor classrooms at UW-Stevens Point.

View all our faculty and staff.

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Wildlife Ecology and Management

At the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, the Wildlife Ecology and Management program prepares you to make a meaningful impact on the conservation and management of wildlife and natural ecosystems. Whether you’re interested in conserving habitats, studying animal populations, managing fisheries and forests, or protecting biodiversity, our program provides the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed. You’ll gain practical skills through fieldwork, labs, and research opportunities while building expertise in ecology, biology, conservation science, data analysis, and communication. With a strong foundation in science and resource management, you’ll be ready to address today’s environmental challenges and help shape a sustainable future for wildlife and natural resources.

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College of Natural Resources
800 Reserve Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481-3897
715-346-4617
cnr@uwsp.edu

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