Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences

Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at South Dakota State University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for careers in wildlife management, fisheries conservation, research, and natural resource management. The program emphasizes a strong foundation in biological sciences, ecology, habitat management, and conservation principles, enabling students to understand the complex interactions within ecosystems and the importance of sustainable practices. Through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and hands-on field experiences, students gain practical skills in wildlife and fisheries assessment, population monitoring, habitat evaluation, and management techniques. The curriculum includes courses in animal biology, ecology, environmental law, GIS mapping, and conservation planning, equipping graduates with a versatile skill set that meets the demands of wildlife agencies, conservation organizations, research institutions, and private sector entities. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, research projects, and field courses to enhance their understanding of real-world challenges facing wildlife and aquatic ecosystems. The program also promotes responsible stewardship, informed decision-making, and ethical considerations in resource management. Graduates of the Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences program are prepared for diverse career opportunities such as wildlife biologists, fisheries biologists, habitat conservation specialists, environmental consultants, and roles in natural resource agencies. The department promotes collaborative learning and research, fostering a community dedicated to preserving North America's rich biodiversity for future generations. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and partnerships with government agencies and organizations, students are well-positioned to contribute to ongoing efforts in conservation and sustainable use of wildlife and fisheries resources.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 8205 Year (National)
• EUR 18044 Year (International)

• English

Course Content

Major Requirements:

• Genetics
• Hydrology
• Organic Chemistry
• Soils
• Principles of Geology
• Technical Communication
• Principles of Ecology
• Survey of Physics
• Introduction to Physics
• Introduction to Statistics
• Introduction to Wildlife and Fisheries Management
• Wildlife and Fisheries Techniques

Requirements

Academic requirements for Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences are based on certification programs of the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than South Dakota State University.

Accreditation

South Dakota State University has been granted the full, ten-year reaccreditation by the Higher Learning Commission. An accreditation team of representatives from peer institutions commended SDSU for:

• Dedicated faculty and staff
• Quality new facilities
• Excellent student leadership
• Shared governance
• Partnerships with local community
• Robust and Integrated assessment program
• Successful transition to NCAA Division I Athletics