Fisheries & Wildlife

Fisheries & Wildlife

Students in lifejackets on a boat looking at a fish
Our fisheries and wildlife education has a long and proud history of preparing students to meet the challenges of conserving habitat, protecting threatened and endangered species and managing ecosystems. Students take classes in the natural sciences, communications, decision making, policy and technology. This major is perfect for those who are passionate about the outdoors, wildlife, research or conservation.
  • College

  • Hours Required

    120 credit hours
  • Minors Available

    Environmental Education, Fisheries and Wildlife 

  • Areas of Focus

    Fisheries Conservation and Management, Habitat Management, Law Enforcement, Nature-based Entrepreneurship, Wildlife Conservation and Management, Zoo Animal Care

The Nebraska Difference

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1-to-1 Personalized Advising

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Hands-On Experiences Outside the Classroom

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Undergraduate Research Opportunities

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Program Features

Build Skills 

You'll get resume-building experience working with animals, managing habitats and learning about conservation, all while building a strong background in wildlife biology and growing your strategic thinking so you can excel in a future career. 

Choose an Emphasis Area 

You will have the opportunity to choose at least one emphasis area within Fisheries and Wildlife. These emphasis areas help you specialize your coursework based on your career goals. Areas range from law enforcement or entrepreneurship to habitat management. 

Create Your Future 

Our graduates go on to become leaders in their field. With a degree in fisheries and wildlife, you could pursue an exciting career as a fisheries researcher, wildlife biologist, park ranger, environmental educator, zookeeper and so much more! Check our job board and weekly job update emails for new opportunities. 

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Notable Courses

Natural Resources Orientation (NRES 101)

Introduction to natural resource disciplines. Fisheries, wildlife, forestry, grasslands, climate and water science.

Oh My Cod: Exploring Aquatic Ecology Careers (NRES 163)

Introduction to fisheries and aquatic ecology. Become familiar with current research, learn about careers in aquatic ecology and get initial field sampling experience.

Wildlife Field Techniques (NRES 233)

Field and laboratory skills needed for wildlife management. Wildlife and vegetation surveys, mark-recapture of wildlife, radio-telemetry, aging and forensic methods and habitat assessment.

Wildlife Ecology and Management (NRES 311)

Applied ecology, conservation biology, population biology and enhancement of vertebrate non-domestic animal population through management.

Human Dimensions of Fish and Wildlife Management (NRES 315)

Social, cultural and economic values, as well as attitude and behavior of individuals, groups and stakeholders in fisheries and wildlife management.

Zoo Keeping and Management (NRES 441)

Examine and build on the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to work in zoos, including animal keeping, guest services and curation.

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

  • Zookeeping and ambassador animal internships, Lincoln Children’s Zoo
  • Intern, Montana Conservation Corps
  • Wild turkey research technician, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Outdoor educator, Pioneers Park Nature Center

Careers

  • Fisheries technician, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska
  • Conservation technician, Nebraska Game and Parks, Battle Creek, Nebraska
  • Environmental technician, New Country Environment, Columbus, Nebraska
  • Biological science technician, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Leadville, Colorado
  • Big cat keeper, In-Sync Exotics, Wylie, Texas
  • Highway environmental biologist, Nebraska Department of Roads, Lincoln, Nebraska

Graduate Schools

  • M.S. and Ph.D., Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, South Dakota State University
  • M.S. and Ph.D., Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Pennsylvania State University
  • Ph.D. University Program in Ecology, Duke University
  • M.S. and Ph.D., Natural Resource Sciences, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Outside the Classroom

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Fisheries & Wildlife major or navigating the application process, contact us.

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Contact Name
Bridget Gross
Contact Title
Recruitment Specialist
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