Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Science
Syracuse, USA
DURATION
4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
15 Jan 2025*
EARLIEST START DATE
13 Jan 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 10,015 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* regular decision filing deadline
** maximum total tuition for 12 credit hours or more
Introduction
The program prepares students for careers with state and federal agencies as well as an array of domestic and international non-governmental organizations. Diverse job functions include management of wildlife on state, federal or private lands; inventory and assessment of wildlife populations and associated habitats; and interaction with the public to convey the value and rationale of wildlife conservation programs and initiatives. Students who excel academically will also be prepared to continue toward a graduate degree, which can greatly expand employment opportunities and is often necessary for even entry-level, career-track positions.
Science foundation enhanced with field research opportunities.
The courses associated with this major reflect the interdisciplinary nature of wildlife science. Students are prepared for work in the wildlife science field through a strong foundation in the biological and physical sciences, effective communication, and knowledge of management strategies. Students learn about the complicated interactions between wildlife and humans and gain the tools and understanding needed to address these complex problems. Field-based learning is emphasized through six credits of field experience, three of which are earned at the Cranberry Lake Biological Station over the summer.
Wildlife science is the application of ecological knowledge in a manner that strikes a balance between the needs of wildlife populations and the needs of people. Coursework and faculty expertise span the animal kingdom and the planet, with a programmatic emphasis on North American species, policies, and practices. The focus is applied ecology, and students gain the skills, knowledge, and abilities required to meet contemporary and future challenges facing wildlife such as restoring habitat, securing populations of rare and vulnerable species, mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, controlling invasive species and disease, managing sustainable harvests, and ensuring species persistence under climate change. The curriculum prepares students for working in state or federal wildlife agencies, non-governmental conservation organizations, or consulting firms and also prepares students for continuing on to a graduate degree program, which may greatly expand employment opportunities and is often necessary for careertrack positions.
Admissions
Program Outcome
Placement rates are high in the areas of wildlife management, field research assistants, policy and communication positions, and in graduate programs. Jobs are available with federal and state agencies, research institutions, private consulting firms and nongovernmental organizations, both regionally and nationally.
Program Tuition Fee
Scholarships and Funding
The College offers these basic forms of student financial assistance: scholarships or grants; part-time employment; educational loans; assistantships, tuition scholarships, and fellowships for graduate students; a deferred tuition payment plan; and sources of non-need loans to students and parents.
Federal and state financial aid programs are for United States citizens, permanent residents or other eligible non-citizens. International students will be considered for academic merit-based scholarships, assistantships and fellowships, but are not eligible for need-based student financial assistance. Aid programs are coordinated to supplement parental support, summer work, savings, and assistance from other sources. The sources of funds for financial assistance programs, the guidelines for determining the recipients, the procedures for applying, and the method of disbursement of funds vary from one program to another.
Financial aid is awarded primarily on the basis of financial need. Some scholarships and fellowships, however, are based on other criteria, such as academic achievement. Assistantships, tuition scholarships and fellowships for graduate students are awarded based upon academic achievement.
In order for students to receive aid, they must be making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree. Please refer to the appropriate sections under ESF College Aid, Federal Student Aid, and New York State Aid later in this chapter for satisfactory academic progress requirements.
In addition, students are only eligible to receive most types of aid for courses that are required for degree completion. Students enrolled in credits beyond the number required for the degree or enrolled in courses that are not applicable to a degree requirement will have financial aid adjusted accordingly.
Financial aid advisors are aware of the many problems associated with financing higher education and meeting living expenses for both undergraduate and graduate students and are available to discuss individual problems. All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid.
Financial Aid Philosophy
Financial aid at SUNY ESF is intended to assist students with education and essential cost-of-living expenses. Funds are awarded primarily on the basis of financial need and are coordinated to supplement parental support, student employment earnings, savings, and assistance from other sources. Some scholarships and fellowships are awarded based on additional criteria, such as academic achievement. Graduate student assistantships, tuition scholarships, and fellowships are not based on financial need.
Special Circumstances
Financial aid advisors at SUNY ESF are aware of the many challenges involved with financing higher education and meeting day-to-day living expenses. Families and students with special circumstances affecting their ability to cover these expenses are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office. Circumstances warranting a file review include, but are not limited to:
- Job Loss or Change in Family Income
- Education or Essential Living Expenses not Included in the Cost of Attendance Budget
- Unexpected or Unreimbursed Medical Expenses