What you will study
The University of Central Missouri’s Wildlife and Natural Resource Conservation degree
program will help you master the field-based skills conservation biologists rely on
to monitor and manage wildlife populations and their environments. The Wildlife program
coursework focuses on native Missouri animals and plants and the methods used to monitor
and conserve vital natural and wildlife resources.
Hands-on learning is at our core
UCM Biology majors in the Wildlife program conduct critical research and participate
in co-curricular research opportunities early in their college experience. Regular
outdoor labs at the UCM Pertle Springs Nature Preserve and at off-campus locations
give you the first-hand training that agencies look for when hiring graduates of colleges
with fish and wildlife degrees.
Active learning experiences are the core of the UCM Biology program curriculum for
Wildlife and Natural Resource Conservation. You gain skills and knowledge needed for
wildlife conservation degree jobs through courses such as:
- Wildlife Management
- Wildlife Diseases
- Field Techniques in Biology
Coursework for UCM’s Conservation degree program also includes several elective classes
in particular areas of interest and specialization in biology. In the Wildlife program,
you can study dendrology, ichthyology, ornithology, herpetology, limnology and geographic
information systems, among others.
Excellence in Biology
- Among colleges with fish and wildlife majors, we offer a Wildlife program that includes
a minimum of nine lab-based courses to graduate. We believe the active learning that
takes place in face-to-face labs and field study projects is crucial to a complete
understanding of wildlife and the regional environments where they exist.
- Best Value College: Biological & Biomedical Sciences (College Factual, 2022)
Unique learning opportunities in wildlife and natural resource conservation
The hands-on experiences, networking opportunities and skill building the UCM Biology
faculty offer will help you gain the essential knowledge you’ll need to be successful
in finding wildlife conservation degree jobs you’ll love.
- Outdoor classroom: Participate in real-world fieldwork at our 300-acre Pertle Springs Nature Preserve. You’ll track animals using GPS and high-tech drones, collect aquatic samples and
analyze data to develop valuable job skills.
- Internships and career building: Strong faculty relationships with the Missouri Department of Conservation, U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and other government agencies offer internships
and job opportunities for undergraduate students in UCM’s Wildlife program.
- Faculty-sponsored research: Build skills in grant writing, research and presentations while working alongside
faculty and graduate assistants. University-sponsored experiences — such as Honors
College Scholars, Undergraduate Research Projects and McNair Scholarships — may lead
to research careers and graduate school placements.
- Professional-level lab experiences: Make exciting discoveries with faculty and other Biology majors in the Wildlife program.
You’ll learn industry-standard procedures and techniques in a close-knit classroom
environment.
- Study abroad: UCM’s agreement with Hengshui University in China offers opportunities to participate
in a student exchange program. You could also design a marine ecology research study
and then implement it in the Belize Barrier Reef.
What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Natural Resource Conservation
from UCM?
Many of our program graduates work for government agencies based in our state and
beyond. Others who intern with the Missouri Department of Conservation, the USGS,
the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and other agencies receive offers for
wildlife conservation degree jobs following graduation.
Conservation degrees open diverse career pathways
Knowledge, skills and experience gained from UCM’s Wildlife program can lead to:
- Obtaining a wildlife biologist job
- Teaching at high schools or at colleges with fish and wildlife conservation majors
- Conducting research
- Continuing your studies to earn a master’s or doctoral degree
- Working in a private land management role
Explore the interactive tool below to learn more about career pathways and potential
salaries with a Wildlife and Natural Resource Conservation degree from the University
of Central Missouri.
Financial assistance options for your Wildlife and Natural Resource Conservation degree
As a Biology major in the University of Central Missouri’s Wildlife program, you may
be eligible to apply for general and private scholarships, awards and other ways to help finance your education.
Numerous scholarships are also available specifically for UCM Biology majors, including
those earning Wildlife and Natural Resource Conservation degrees. For example, you
may qualify for one or more of the following:
- Carlos Kays Biology and Earth Science Scholarship
- Julie A. Harpster Memorial Scholarship
- Dr. John Beishe Biology Scholarship
- Steven H. Mills and Stephen W. Wilson Research Award
You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.
State-of-the-Art Labs
Newly renovated facilities in Warrensburg, Missouri
UCM’s upgraded facilities include new teaching labs, a lecture hall, active classrooms
and an updated student workspace and lounge. These new areas join UCM’s existing labs
for molecular, cellular and wildlife research; a 3,000+-sq.-ft. animal and aquatic
research center; a boat, field truck and passenger van for student trips; and our
Pertle Springs Nature Preserve.
Meet David P., Ph.D.
BS Biology ’10, MS Biology ’12 - Assistant Professor of Biology at a Missouri university
“My professors’ support allowed me to find my way as a scientist. I recommend UCM
to anyone interested in the wildlife sciences. The program really helped me gain a
lot of the skills and experiences to be competitive for other degrees and jobs. The
hands-on experience is very valuable, and UCM does a great job exposing students to
a wide diversity of courses.”
Meet Our Faculty
Renowned wildlife conservation experts
Our faculty have extensive publishing credits in the public, private, research and
government sectors. UCM Biology professors have published their findings in the Journal
of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, Journal of Insect Conservation, Copiea, Biotechniques,
Developmental Cell, Freshwater Biology, British Journal of Medicine and many other
professional and academic publications.
Faculty Research Areas
Pertle Springs Nature Preserve
Few colleges with fish and wildlife majors have on-campus field sites
Our 300-acre preserve has trails, lakes and outdoor classroom areas where you’ll identify,
monitor and manage animals and their environments. UCM’s Wildlife program will sharpen
your skills to compete for wildlife conservation degree jobs. In your field work,
you’ll use a high-tech drone, boat and GPS to complete research and class projects.
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