A male cardinal on a winter branch
Wildlife and Conservation Biology
Bachelor of Science
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Wildlife and Conservation Biology Bachelor's Degree

The wildlife and conservation biology major helps students interested in careers in the fields of wildlife ecology and management, wildlife restoration, biodiversity conservation.

The program provides theoretical and hands-on field and lab training for students on the path to graduate school in ecology, behavior, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, or wildlife ecology. Wildlife and conservation biology majors have the option to pursue the Environmental Studies certificate or the Geographic Information certificate.

Admission Requirements

In the past, the Biological Sciences Department had a very strong admission requirement of a PL1-level math placement. With the implementation of the test optional admission pathway, this requirement is no longer in place. However, achievement of PL1-level math placement can be a good indicator of strong preparation in math. After admission to Ohio University, first-year students may transfer into a biological sciences major if they have earned a grade of “C” or better in both BIOS 1700 and BIOS 1705 and have a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.5 at Ohio University.

For information about changing your major to biological sciences or transfer admissions requirements, view the academic catalog.

OHIO Admissions

  • Tuition and Fees

    OHIO is committed to your lifelong success through our Guarantee+, which offers fixed tuition and fees, a graduation plan and lifelong benefits to our students. We're continuously striving to make college more affordable and accessible, while maintaining the high quality and value of an OHIO education.

    Tuition & Fees

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships

    Our Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships provides services to students and parents both in-person and remotely. You can visit our office on the ground floor of Chubb Hall or reach us at financial.aid@ohio.edu or 740.593.4141.

    Financial Aid & Scholarships

Courses & Curriculum

Students must complete a total of 41 semester credit hours of BIOS coursework, including seven common curriculum courses and coursework in ecology, wildlife, zoology, and more. An internship is required.

View Courses & Degree Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog

Graduate Degree Opportunities at OHIO

Ohio University offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree programs in three concentration areas: 

  • Cell, Developmental and Microbiology
  • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • Physiology and Neuroscience 

Biological Sciences Graduate Degrees

OHIO also offers a Master of Science in environmental studies and an online Master of Sustainability, Security and Resilience. 

Careers Opportunities

The program curriculum aligns to the requirements for Wildlife Biologist national certification. Upon graduation check the following websites: usajobs.gov and conservationjobboard.com for wildlife positions.

Many of our graduates work in the federal system (U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, E.P.A.), state wildlife and natural resources management agencies, zoos, aquaria and animal rehab centers, or environmental consulting. Others pursue graduate studies at Ohio University or elsewhere.

Careers & Internships

Kelly Love looking at insects she collected.

STEMstart: Get a Jump Start on Your Science Major

Admitted science students are invited to come to Athens in August, a week before their first-year classes start, to get a sneak peak of what's to come in their first semester and get a jumpstart on success in the sciences.
Apply for STEMstart by June 30
Read about STEMstart 2024

Get Laboratory and Field Experience

Laboratory experience and fieldwork opportunities in ecology, neuroscience, microbiology, genetics, pathogens, paleontology and much more are available to biology students at OHIO.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Biology Internships

Student Success Stories

Jayanna Smith: From Small Town to Prestigious Award

Jayanna Smith won a 2024 Goldwater Scholarship, the nation's most prestigious award for undergraduate STEM students. “It means a lot because I come from a really small town,” Smith says. “Coming to a larger school, I initially found it hard to feel like I belonged here. I struggled with imposter syndrome. Winning the Goldwater gave me confidence," Smith says. "I was so scared that I would never figure out a career path. I would tell my younger self to relax and enjoy it a bit while also working hard.

About Jayanna Smith's Journey

Jayanna Smith

Katie Gardner

Katie Gardner’s Internship on Poplar Island involved working with diamondback terrapins, capturing and studying them in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay. “We would go out on Monday, set nets, check the nets and traps every day and collect the terrapins that were inside. Then after that, we would release them back to where we happened to catch them," Gardner says.

About Katie Gardner's Internship

Katie Gardner’s Internship on Poplar Island was an unforgettable journey into the world of wildlife conservation.

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