Fish and Wildlife Management Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees at a Glance
A fish and wildlife management program at the associate's and bachelor's degree levels will teach you how to direct fishing operations and conserve natural resources. Programs educate and train students in the various types of fish species and the differences between sport and commercial fishing. While a formal training program is necessary for some careers, experience may be valued over education in fishing careers. It's important that you look for programs that are accredited by The North American Wildlife Technology Association to ensure that the program provides you with a quality education and prepares you for employment in the field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the fishing industry was expected to decline six percent, while careers for wildlife biologists were projected to grow seven percent from 2010-2020.
| Associate's | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this Degree for? | Individuals who want to work in the fishing and wildlife field | Those who want advanced careers in the field |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate average annual salary) | -Fishers ($30,000)* -Conservation worker ($27,000)* | -Wildlife biologist ($62,000)* -Conservation officer (unavailable) |
| Time to Completion | Two years, full-time | Four years, full-time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | About 20-24 courses | About 40-48 courses |
| Prerequisites | High school diploma | High school diploma |
| Online Availability | No | Yes |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures)
Associate's in Fish and Wildlife Management
An associate's degree program in fish and wildlife management offers students an opportunity to learn about developing and conserving resources and managing fish. The program teaches students about different state and federal regulations involving conservation management and how to effectively communicate with the public. Students learn about fish and plant identification, plant ecology, watercraft operation, population sampling and map reading. In order to advance in the field, you may need to continue your education at the bachelor's degree level.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Work in a field you are passionate about
- Program may provide students with hands-on experience
- Improvement in technology has increased fish hauls*
Cons
- Need to obtain permits to fish in some areas
- Depend on fishes' natural ability to reproduce in significant numbers
- Seafood imports increase competition
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Courses and Requirements
The program requires students to complete general education requirements and fish and wildlife courses. Fishing and wildlife courses include wildlife management, forest management, wildlife mammalogy, aquatic ecology, hydrology and wildlife botany. Students also have an opportunity to learn about policies and laws regarding fishery and wildlife and about habitat manipulation.
Online Course Options
Because of the hands-on requirements in an associate's degree program in fish and wildlife management, online options are not available. In order to work in the field, it's important to have practical experience working with fish and natural resources.
How to Stand Out
As technology continues to advance, it will change the way individuals fish. Fishers and fishing technicians must be aware of the way technology affects fishing and fish populations. If newer technology depletes fish and natural resources by making them too easy to catch, you may need to work with local government agencies to implement policies and regulations.
Bachelor's in Fish and Wildlife Management
A bachelor's degree program in fish and wildlife management provides students with advanced courses and prepares them for additional careers in the field. Students learn about population ecology, conservation genetics and world ecosystems. While students have the opportunity to pursue continuing education at the master's level, careers may be available with federal agencies, non-profit organizations and consulting firms. Careers in the field may be dependent on government budgets.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- With a bachelor's degree, additional career opportunities are available
- Opportunity to help endangered wildlife
- The need to research and implement conservation plans will spur job growth*
Cons
- Government budgets affect employment
- Population growth will result in habitat loss*
- Climate change and pollution are ongoing problems
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Courses and Requirements
After completing general education requirements and introductory fish and wildlife courses, students take advanced courses in the field. These courses include forest wildlife management, fisheries techniques, wildlife ecosystem ecology, renewable resource policies and fish ecology. Students learn about the interactivities of fish and wildlife in their environment and have an opportunity to perform a research project or a capstone project.
Online Course Options
Online bachelor's degree programs in fish and wildlife are available, but rare. Students who pursue an online degree program typically receive the same diploma as individuals who attend classes on campus. Students can study and submit assessments anywhere they have an Internet connection, and all courses are taught by faculty members.
How to Stand Out
It's important for you to have strong computer and technology skills to work in this field. Biologists and other wildlife professionals often use modeling software and geographic information systems to complete tasks and do their work.
