Where You Learn
With access to nearly five million acres of forests, parks, and public wilderness lands, the opportunities to study wildlife, ecology, and management are endless.
Cal Poly Humboldt's nationally-recognized Wildlife program provides a rigorous curriculum, plus field experience in nearby natural habitats. Our goal: instill a sense of responsibility, appreciation, and expertise, giving students a deeper understanding of managing and conserving wildlife and ecosystems.
Future Careers
Our graduates are well-trained and in high demand—more than 80% are employed after graduation.*
Personal Attention
Whether you’re in the classroom, the lab, or in the field, you’ll work closely with faculty who are committed to your success.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Wildlife focuses on applied vertebrate ecology. That means you’ll study the distribution and abundance of species (ecology), with an emphasis on mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians (vertebrates).
The wildlife major has one flexible concentration—Wildlife Ecology, Conservation, and Management—which is academically rigorous and includes ample field research opportunities under the guidance of faculty who are experts in multiple disciplines.
The Master of Science degree focuses on applied vertebrate ecology, as well. With a curriculum founded on scientific principles, the program emphasizes the natural history of terrestrial vertebrates.
Featured Alumni Profile
Phil Johnston, 2016
Mountain Lion Biologist, Hoopa Tribal Forestry
I conduct field research and manage the Hoopa Valley Tribe's Mountain Lion Project, examining interactions between mountain lions, black bears, and deer.
Career Options
Cal Poly Humboldt Wildlife students graduate with the knowledge and field research skills to pursue several meaningful careers. Many go on to work as wildlife biologists for state and federal natural resource agencies. Others join conservation organizations, private businesses such as ecological consulting firms and timber companies, and zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centers.
Here are a few examples of possible career fields.
- Wildlife Biologists
- Wildlife Refuge Managers
- Biological Consultants
- Park Rangers
- Conservation Scientists
- Fish and Game Wardens
- Forestry Technicians
- Range Conservationists
- Agricultural Planners
Achievements
Find out what our students, faculty, and staff are being recognized for.
Submitted: February 28, 2024
Submitted: October 12, 2023
