We were the first academic program to emphasize the importance of incorporating public input and two-way communication in decision-making for wildlife policy. Our program has an international reputation for developing new quantitative methods in applied ecology and conservation biology. Results of these initiatives have often had important policy implications. Our faculty have worked to remediate the toxic effects of mining wastes, pesticides, and other contaminants in aquatic and terrestrial habitats and food webs.

Federal, state, international agencies as well as private companies that manage natural resources offer employment opportunities for our graduates. Our graduates find rewarding careers, such as: Conservation biologist Consultant Field or lab technician Fish and wildlife law enforcement Fish hatchery manager Fishery Biologist Private fish or wildlife manager Professor Refuge manager Research scientist Toxicologist Wildlife biologist Wildlife manager Wildlife rehabilitation specialist