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Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management

Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduates earn $45,338 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $34,233 and $59,315. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management

This page covers Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management as a course of study: what it costs, where it is taught, and what graduates go on to earn. It sits inside the wider field of Natural Resources and how it pays overall, which is the better comparison if you are still choosing between subjects.

Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management is a focused area of study within Natural Resources. Pick this and you can expect to earn around $45,338 four years out, a modest return for a focused credential. You will not have trouble finding it: 96 colleges offer this program, from community colleges to research universities. About 2,389 students complete it each year, most walking away with a bachelor's. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $28,748
Median Earnings · 4yr: $45,338
Colleges Offering: 96
Graduates / Year: 2,389
Avg Net Price / yr: $17,900

How Much Do Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Graduates Earn?

Four years after finishing Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management, a typical graduate earns $45,338, below average for bachelor's degree holders. Half of earners land somewhere between $34,233 and $59,315, so where you end up depends on the job and the employer. Do not judge the field on a starting paycheck alone: pay tends to jump in the first few years, climbing from $28,748 at one year out to $45,338 by year four. Source: College Scorecard.

What that figure means in practice depends on what the degree cost to get, which is a matter of lifetime earnings against total outlay.

$28,748

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$45,338

4-Year National Median

Below average for bachelor's degree holders.

$45,348

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

Not every Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduate ends up in the same place. Earnings spread out a moderate amount, so know what pushes people to one end or the other. Region and union membership drive the gap more than any other factor. Union jobs in high-cost metros pay significantly more than non-union positions elsewhere.

$34,233 25th pct.

$45,338 Median

$59,315 75th pct.

Understanding the Cost vs. Return

At median 4-year earnings of $45,338 and an estimated $71,600 four-year net cost, earnings breakeven against a baseline wage takes approximately 4.7 years. Compare specific programs before committing to a high-cost option.

Based on outcomes from 63 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 2,389 students who complete Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs each year, the majority (75%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

75%

Bachelor's 75%

Master's 10%

Associate's 9%

What Can You Do With a Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Degree?

This degree does not lock you into one job. Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduates show up in 2 different occupations, and Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist pays the most at $76,780/yr median. Expand any card below to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

The best-paid of these is what a Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist earns and how fast the role is growing, though entry requirements vary across the list.

↗ +3.6% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist

$76,780

$61K $96K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 1,400 openings/yr 18K employed nationally

Complex Problem Solving Judgment and Decision Making Reading Comprehension Active Listening Speaking

Day-to-day responsibilities

Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.

Develop, or make recommendations on, management systems and plans for wildlife populations and habitat, consulting with stakeholders and the public at large to explore options.
Inventory or estimate plant and wildlife populations.
Inform and respond to public regarding wildlife and conservation issues, such as plant identification, hunting ordinances, and nuisance wildlife.

↗ +5.3% Zone 4: Considerable preparation

Conservation Scientists

$73,010

$58K $92K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 2,100 openings/yr 26K employed nationally

Speaking Active Listening Reading Comprehension Active Listening Reading Comprehension

Day-to-day responsibilities

Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.

Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve water.
Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.

Top Colleges for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management

Not sure where to study Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management? These 20 colleges graduate the most students in it each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

Ranked by score, that list starts with the cost and outcomes at University of Florida, and the rest follow the same measures.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	University of Florida Gainesville, FL · Public	106	24.2%	$6,541	$71,588
2	California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Arcata, CA · Public	98	98.2%	$13,171	$47,626
3	Michigan State University East Lansing, MI · Public	87	84.8%	$19,680	$67,253
4	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, WI · Public	84	91.8%	$14,559	$52,021
5	Oregon State University Corvallis, OR · Public	80	77.3%	$19,604	$64,010
6	University of California-Davis Davis, CA · Public	77	41.8%	$14,741	$80,838
7	Tarleton State University Stephenville, TX · Public	75	89.6%	$20,783	$53,040
8	The University of Montana Missoula, MT · Public	75	95.9%	$16,784	$44,511
9	Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA · Public	73	54.8%	$24,953	$81,698
10	Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MS · Public	70	77.6%	$17,595	$51,513
11	West Virginia University Morgantown, WV · Public	69	89%	$15,634	$55,939
12	Clemson University Clemson, SC · Public	57	38.3%	$22,253	$71,513
13	University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI · Public	55	72.2%	$21,440	$69,743
14	Delaware Valley University Doylestown, PA · Nonprofit	48	93.2%	$28,278	$55,838
15	Auburn University Auburn, AL · Public	47	45.9%	$24,323	$65,337
16	University of Nevada-Reno Reno, NV · Public	44	73.7%	$15,927	$60,614
17	Hocking College Nelsonville, OH · Public	44	Open	$13,704	$37,791
18	South Dakota State University Brookings, SD · Public	43	98.3%	$19,841	$55,070
19	University of Georgia Athens, GA · Public	41	37.7%	$13,936	$68,726
20	Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, TN · Public	40	76.1%	$14,246	$48,501

View all colleges

Ranked by Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Degree: Pros & Cons

Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management carries financial trade-offs prospective students should weigh carefully. The 2 strengths and 4 concerns below are drawn from College Scorecard earnings, BLS job growth data, and IPEDS completion counts.

PROS

Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $28,748 at graduation to $45,338 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Positive job outlook Related careers project up to +5.3% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.

CONS

Modest median earnings Four-year median of $45,338 lags STEM and business fields, affecting ROI at higher-cost programs.
Licensure often required Many positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
High earnings variance Gap between 25th ($34,233) and 75th ($59,315) percentile is wide. Where you land depends heavily on employer, role, and location.

Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduates earn?

$45,338 four years after finishing the program. Half of graduates land between $34,233 and $59,315, so employer, role, and location move that number more than the degree itself. Source: College Scorecard.

What is the starting salary for a Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management degree?

$28,748 in the first year out. That grows to $45,338 by year four, so do not judge this field on the entry-level number alone. Most of the gain shows up once you clear the first few years and move past entry-level roles. Source: College Scorecard.

What jobs can you get with a Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management degree?

Zoologist & Wildlife Biologist is one path, and it pays a median of $76,780 a year. It is not the only one: the Career Paths section below lists every occupation graduates actually go into, with wages and 10-year growth for each.

How long does a Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management program take?

Four years of full-time study for a Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management bachelor's degree, the standard timeline for this field. If you want a faster route into the workforce, community colleges offer a two-year associate option instead.

How many colleges offer Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management?

96 colleges and universities, so you are not short on options. That range runs from community colleges granting certificates and associate degrees to research universities with full doctoral tracks. Source: IPEDS.

Is a Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management degree worth it?

$45,338 median earnings four years out against $17,900 a year in average net price. That is a slow payback, so cost matters more than usual here: a cheaper school changes the answer. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific schools before deciding. Source: College Scorecard.

What is the difference between Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management and Natural Resources?

Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management is the narrower of the two: Natural Resources covers the full discipline, while this program limits the curriculum to Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. Pick the specialization once you already know this is the direction you want; it gets you a more targeted credential, not a broader one.

What skills do employers look for in Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduates?

Coursework alone will not get you hired. Employers hiring Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduates consistently look for technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field. Build those into your coursework and internships now, and the job search later gets easier.

What is the job outlook for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduates?

Outlook is moderate overall: related occupations average +4.5% projected job growth over the next 10 years. Conservation Scientists are among the strongest-growth roles at +5.3%. That average hides real differences by role and location, so check the Career Paths section below for the projection on each specific occupation before you count on any single number.