Students receive rigorous academic training in the classroom and in the field from a series of Ecology/Management courses which focus on (1) Large Mammals, (2) Waterfowl, (3) Upland Game, and (4) Non-game (e.g. herps, shorebirds, birds of prey, or neotropical passerines). We offer specialty courses in Advanced Ornithology, Behavioral Ecology, Conservation Biology, Energetics, Ethology (Animal Behavior), Population Ecology, Upland Habitats, Wetlands, and Wildlife Diseases. Seniors must conduct independent research and complete a senior thesis with supervision from a professor.

The campus overlooks Humboldt Bay and coastal habitats that attract a wealth of the Pacific Flyway’s migratory shorebirds, raptors, and waterfowl. Local habitats, including Redwood National and State Parks and Six Rivers National Forest, are inhabited by black bears, river otters, Roosevelt elk, bobcats, mountain lions, and more.

The Humboldt State University Wildlife program is nationally recognized. Our alumni hold many top jobs in the profession and often choose HSUwildlife graduates for jobs as field biologists, refuge managers, educators, game wardens, environmental consultants, etc.

If you love the outdoors, wish to study animals, and want to contribute to conservation and management, then you should definitely consider an HSU wildlife degree!