As a fisheries and wildlife major at Michigan State University, students will acquire basic knowledge in the application of these interactions between and among the natural and social sciences.

Majors in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife prepare for rewarding careers as fisheries and wildlife technicians, biologists, managers, naturalists, and applied ecologists. Others may choose to pursue related careers as conservation officers, environmental consultants or natural resource administrators. Employment is generally found with state and federal natural resource agencies such as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Park Service. There are also excellent job opportunities with private companies such as International Paper and non-profit organizations such as The Nature Conservancy or Trout Unlimited as well at many universities and colleges.

The undergraduate program in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University is nationally and internationally recognized. The program provides a strong base in the foundational and applied sciences of natural resource management. The program is designed to develop understanding of the cultural, recreational, and economic values of biological resources. The department offers a core of required courses including biology and physical sciences, math and statistics, communications, ethics and philosophy, and experiential learning in addition to a large selection of other fisheries and wildlife courses. The fisheries and wildlife undergraduate program also allows students to develop their individual interests through completion of one of six concentrations that are designed to provide additional breadth and depth, including: conservation biology, fisheries biology and management, wildlife biology and management, water sciences, fish and wildlife disease ecology and management, and preveterinary.

Conservation Biology focuses on the science of analyzing and protecting the earth’s biological diversity drawing from the biological, physical and social sciences, economics, and the practice of natural resource management.

Fisheries Biology and Management is designed for students interested in the research and management of fish, other freshwater and marine organisms, and the ecosystems that sustain them.

Wildlife Biology and Management is for students interested in understanding and managing terrestrial habitats and animals including game, non-game, and endangered species.

Water Sciences is designed for students interested in examining the biological, physical, chemical, geological and hydrological aspects of lakes and ponds, rivers and streams, wetlands and groundwaters including water quality. This concentration provides students with an understanding for protecting and restoring water resources around the Great Lakes and the world.

Fish and Wildlife Disease Ecology and Management is designed to provide students with an improved understanding of the emergence and spread of infectious diseases and the likely consequences that increased contact between fish and wildlife, and domestic animal and human populations have on these environmental problems.

Preveterinary is designed for students who are interested in careers in veterinary medicine and satisfies the course requirements for admission to Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dual advising at the College of Veterinary Medicine is required.

Students who complete the requirements for the fisheries and wildlife major and choose elective courses appropriately can also satisfy requirements for certification by: the American Fisheries Society as an Associate Fisheries Scientist; the Wildlife Society as an Associate Wildlife Biologist; the Society of Wetland Scientists as a Wetland Professional-in-training.