Study Wildlife Biology – Terrestrial – at the University of Montana
Wildlife Biology at the University of Montana has been training wildlife professionals since 1936, making it one of the oldest programs of its kind in the country. The terrestrial concentration focuses on birds and mammals and the habitats they depend on, taught by faculty who are internationally recognized in their fields. Students learn in 25,000 acres of managed land, at Flathead Lake Biological Station, and in field courses across the Rocky Mountain West — in a program big enough to be exceptional and small enough to know you by name. Graduates are recruited for leading roles in wildlife management, conservation, and research across government, nonprofit, and private sectors.
FAQs
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The program dives into wildlife biology and science, field techniques, terrestrial habitat ecology, population dynamics, mammalogy, ornithology, and conservation biology — in the classroom and through hands-on fieldwork and internships in the Rocky Mountains and around the world. Coursework also covers wildlife and natural resource policy and strategic communication.
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Students interested in the technical knowledge and science underlying wildlife conservation and management. Strong biology, chemistry, and math skills are important, along with enthusiasm for fieldwork and a passion for conserving wildlife species and the habitats that support them.
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Graduates are recognized for their experience and technical knowledge. They are recruited for roles as wildlife biologists, conservation officers, game wardens, wildlife managers, habitat managers, and wildlife researchers across government, nonprofit, and private sectors.
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2nd
oldest wildlife biology program in the country, founded in 1936
450
450 peer-reviewed scientific publications published by faculty and students in the past three years
44
states represented by wildlife biology students
What Can You Do With a Wildlife Biology Degree?
As one of the best schools for wildlife biology in North America, we offer unique opportunities that prepare our graduates for career success. Almost all of our alumni find jobs in their field of study, and many have gone on to leadership roles that directly impact science, conservation, and policy nationally and globally.
Wildlife Biology Jobs
Our bachelor’s degree program prepares you for graduate school or for wildlife biology jobs such as:
- Wildlife and/or fisheries biologist
- Wildlife conservation officer/game warden
- Wildlife/terrestrial program manager
- Wildlife researcher
- Wildlife and/or fisheries technician
With time and experience, many of our wildlife biology bachelor’s degree graduates advance into leadership roles, such as overseeing large-scale species conservation efforts or directing the conservation efforts of governmental agencies or NGOs.
Wildlife Biology Salary
Zoologists and wildlife biologists earn an average of $63,270 per year nationally, according to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average annual income for this occupation in Montana is $66,870.
Study Wildlife Biology at the University of Montana
Experiential Learning in the Wildlife Biology Degree
Numerous field experiences, internships and undergraduate research opportunities await you as a wildlife biology major at UM. Right now, our students are working on exciting projects that involve everything from amphibians and reptiles, to raptors to grizzly bears and wolves.
Field Courses and Internships for Wildlife Biology Majors
Explore 25,000 acres of land managed for student and faculty research and learning, including Lubrecht Experimental Forest. Take summer field courses and internships at UM’s Flathead Lake Biological Station. Engage in hands-on learning and research with private ranches and public lands across western Montana.
Our degree in wildlife biology emphasizes field-based learning, and all students are required to complete an internship and at least two credits of hands-on experience. Your faculty mentor will work with you to find opportunities that are a good match. Find more resources to help with internships and jobs.
Study Wildlife Biology Abroad
We offer a variety of field-based study abroad classes that focus on environmental and conservation issues. Majors in wildlife biology at the University of Montana also qualify for Franke Sustainability Fellowships, which fund international research and education focused on sustainability. Learn more about study abroad opportunities at UM.
Undergraduate Research in the Wildlife Biology Program
UM’s research connects with dozens of wildlife species in Montana and around the world, and our wildlife biology faculty and students have published more than 450 peer-reviewed scientific publications in just the past three years. Opportunities for undergraduate research include both paid and volunteer positions that often involve working with wildlife conservation agencies and NGOs. Explore undergraduate research opportunities at UM.
Wildlife Biology Facilities and Labs
Our wildlife biology program offers access to specialized conservation genetics labs, including the National Genomics Center for Fish and Wildlife Conservation located on the UM campus. Our students frequently use remote field cameras, GPS and satellite collars, and radio telemetry equipment, as well as computing systems that enable advanced spatial and statistical analyses.
Career Development in the Wildlife Biology Program
Discover what you want to do and find the opportunities to make it happen. At the Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, 97% of our alumni are employed or pursuing graduate study in their fields.
Student Organizations for Wildlife Biology Majors
Develop your professional network, cultivate career skills and make new friends through active student organizations including the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society. Learn more about student organizations for wildlife biology majors at UM.
Wildlife Biology Scholarships
We offer several scholarships specific to the wildlife biology program. Wildlife biology majors also qualify for Franke College of Forestry and Conservation scholarships, which complement other scholarships and financial aid opportunities awarded at the University of Montana.
Wildlife Biology Degree Curriculum
The terrestrial concentration of the wildlife biology degree at UM provides a basic background in biological sciences during the first two years, followed by an exploration of ecology, habitat, taxonomy and conservation in the junior- and senior-year curriculum. Much of the coursework focuses on birds and mammals and their habitats.
View all classes for the bachelor’s in wildlife biology with a concentration in terrestrial wildlife.