Forest Science Major
Wildlife Ecology Major
Courses
218 Russell Labs, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706; 608-262-9975; forestandwildlifeecology.wisc.edu
Professors Karasov (chair), Bockheim, Bromley, Buongiorno, Craven, Field, Gower, Guries, Kruger, Langston, Lorimer, Mladenoff, Raffa, Ray, Stanosz; Associate Professors Bowe, Davis, Lutz, Radeloff, Ribic, Rickenbach, Samuel, Townsend; Assistant Professors Drake, Peery, Pidgeon, Rissman, Van Deelen
An undergraduate major in forest science is offered in the Natural Resources degree program and the International Agriculture and Natural Resources degree program. Students electing forestry prepare themselves for a wide variety of professional opportunities in public and private forest land management, or for graduate study in a field related to forest resources. The curriculum contains a core of physical, biological, and social sciences, resource-related courses, and an integrated sequence in forestry. Most forestry courses include a field component and all students must complete a professional work experience prior to graduation. Students choose from among several options within the Forest Science major depending upon their career interests. Most options within these undergraduate majors are accredited by the Society of American Foresters.
Students completing an undergraduate major in forest science under the Natural Resources program are awarded the Bachelor of Sciences-Natural Resources degree. Those completing the International Agriculture and Natural Resources course work earn the Bachelor of Science-International Agricultural and Natural Resources degree. The department should be consulted for specific career information.
Students with research as a professional goal should consider graduate work in forest resources and related sciences. Advanced work usually is required for research positions. Details may be obtained from the department.
The Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology offers graduate education in a variety of specialties leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Programs are developed within the department or jointly with other departments. For information, see the Graduate School Catalog.
Founded by Aldo Leopold, the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology is the oldest academic department in the country where students can receive formal training in the conservation, management, and ecological study of wildlife. The curriculum is solidly based in the natural sciences. Students are trained in the basic science of ecology, as well as its application to practical issues such as conservation of exploited wildlife, control of wildlife pests, preservation of rare and endangered wildlife, and the management of wildlife communities in protected natural areas. Training also requires social science course work because most wildlife conservation issues ultimately relate to human communities.
The department offers three undergraduate degree programs within the wildlife ecology major. The Natural Resources degree program and the International Agriculture and Natural Resources degree program are intended primarily for students who wish to begin their careers with a bachelor's degree. A wildlife ecology major completed under the Natural Resources degree program leads to a Bachelor of Science-Natural Resources, whereas a major completed under the International Agriculture and Natural Resources program leads to a Bachelor of Science-International Agriculture and Natural Resources degree. The Natural Sciences degree program is for students who plan on further training in graduate school. Students completing a major under this program are awarded a Bachelor of Science-Natural Sciences degree. All degree programs include course work that will qualify a student for certification as a wildlife biologist by The Wildlife Society. All students are given opportunities to gain practical field experience, which is usually essential for acceptance into a graduate program and eventual employment.
There is intense competition for career openings in the wildlife field. Most opportunities are with state and federal conservation agencies, but career possibilities also exist with private conservation groups and educational institutions. To be most competitive for limited job opportunities, students should pursue a master's degree. The Graduate School Catalog describes the department's graduate programs.