The wildlife and restoration ecology concentration focuses on the application of ecological principles to the management of wildlife and the restoration of ecosystems. The concentration examines the management of wildlife species and their habitat and emphasizes the reconstruction of degraded ecosystems, to improve ecological structure and function and meet societal needs for sustainable and functional ecosystems. Students interact with faculty in classrooms, use state-of-the-art labs and, when appropriate, attend outdoor settings that may include the Sonoran desert, surrounding ecosystems and the landscape of the greater Phoenix area. Knowledge and skills learned prepare students for careers as biologists, resource managers, range managers, wildlife managers, environmental consultants, other professional areas or graduate studies.

Graduates can pursue numerous entry-level careers in biology. Specific career fields include secondary education, wildlife and restoration ecology and urban horticulture. Employment opportunities exist in private and public sectors. The general program in applied biological sciences also prepares graduates to succeed in graduate or professional schools in disciplines such as: Animal health. Dentistry. Ecology. Environmental biotechnology. Horticulture. Medicine. Physical therapy. Wildlife biology. Example Careers: Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to the following: career title *growth *median salary Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary 15.12 73,980 Biological Scientists, All Other 18.76 66,510 BiologistsBright OutlookBright Outlook 21.02 58,300 Environmental Restoration PlannersGreenGreenBright Outlook 27.86 61,010 Fish and Game WardensGreen 8.28 48,800 Life Scientists, All Other 16.33 63,970 Natural Sciences ManagersGreen 15.45 114,560 Park Naturalists 11.92 60,160 Range Managers 11.92 60,160 Soil and Water ConservationistsGreen 11.92 60,160 Zoologists and Wildlife BiologistsGreen 12.81 56,500 * Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).