The fisheries and wildlife major equips students to become fisheries and/or wildlife biologists. The major has three areas of emphasis from which students can choose:
- Aquatic Sciences
- Pre-Vet Wildlife Sciences
- Wildlife Sciences
The Fisheries and Wildlife program is recognized as one of the premier programs in the country.
Curriculum
The course work is broad-based, furnishing an understanding of the interrelationships among the physical and biological elements of the natural environment, an appreciation of the social, political, and economics forces that influence fish and wildlife management, and the ability to analyze natural resource problems to forge realistic solutions.
- Pre-Professional Program Curriculum (UGA and non-USG students)
- Pre-Professional Program Curriculum (USG students)
- Professional Program Curriculum - Fisheries & Wildlife (through Spring 2019)
- Professional Program Curriculum - Fisheries & Wildlife (Fall 2019 and later)
Aquatic Sciences Area of Emphasis
The aquatic sciences area of emphasis meets the Professional Certification requirements recommended by the American Fisheries Society. The curriculum is field oriented and offers opportunities to participate in faculty research projects and agency internships. Courses such as fisheries management, limnology, ichthyology, ecology, aquaculture, water quality, and fish physiology provide students with the information needed to appreciate, understand, and manage aquatic systems.
Course Sequences
Related Minors and Certificate Programs
Students pursuing the aquatic sciences area of emphasis in the fisheries and wildlife major may be able to complete one or more of the following programs alongside the fisheries and wildlife major, as circumstances allow. Warnell offers other certificate options as well.
- Water Resources certificate - no additional coursework is needed to earn the water resources certificate, but students must complete an associated seminar series and must take Senior Project (FANR 4500S) instead of Senior Thesis (FANR 4600).
- Biology minor - if ECOL 3500 taken for ecology, then one additional course from the following is required: BCMB 3100, BCMB 4020, CBIO 3400, CBIO 3600, or GENE 3200. A minimum grade of C is required for all courses applying towards this minor.
- Ecology minor - if ECOL 3500 taken for ecology, then a student may take ECOL 3530 to earn the ecology minor. A minimum grade of C is required for all courses applying towards this minor.
Pre-Vet Wildlife Sciences Area of Emphasis
Students who select the Pre-Vet option will fulfill all course requirements for entrance into UGA's College of Veterinary Medicine. Students on this track often take courses in animal behavior, wildlife physiology and nutrition, and wildlife disease, in addition to many of the organismal biology courses (herpetology, mammalogy, ornithology, etc.) taken by all wildlife students.
Course Sequences
- Pre-Professional Program - Fall Entry
- Pre-Professional Program - Spring Entry
- Professional Program - Fall Entry (through Fall 2018)
- Professional Program - Spring Entry (through Spring 2019)
- Professional Program - Fall Entry (Fall 2019 and later)
- Professional Program - Spring Entry (Spring 2020 and later)
Related Minors and Certificate Programs
Students pursuing the pre-vet wildlife sciences area of emphasis in the fisheries and wildlife major may be able to complete one or more of the following programs alongside the fisheries and wildlife major, as circumstances allow. Warnell offers other certificate options as well.
- Biology minor - if ECOL 3500 taken for ecology, then all coursework for this minor will be met. A minimum grade of C is required for all courses applying towards this minor.
- Ecology minor - if ECOL 3500 taken for ecology, then a student may take ECOL 3530 to earn the ecology minor. A minimum grade of C is required for all courses applying towards this minor.
Wildlife Sciences Area of Emphasis
Students choosing the wildlife sciences area of emphasis will fulfill the educational requirements to become Certified Wildlife Biologists, as stipulated by The Wildlife Society. Wildlife Biologists determine the biological and ecological conditions required for maintenance of healthy populations of game and non-game species, tend these species, and manage their environments to meet wildlife conservation objectives.
Course Sequences
- Fall Entry (through Fall 2018)
- Spring Entry (through Spring 2019)
- Fall Entry (Fall 2019 and later)
- Spring Entry (Spring 2020 and later)
Double Dawgs Programs
- Fisheries and Wildlife BSFR (Wildlife Sciences)/Forest Resources MFR (non-thesis)
- Fisheries and Wildlife BSFR (Wildlife Sciences)/Natural Resources MNR (non-thesis)
Related Minors and Certificate Programs
Students pursuing the wildlife sciences area of emphasis in the fisheries and wildlife major may be able to complete one or more of the following programs alongside the fisheries and wildlife major, as circumstances allow. Warnell offers other certificate options as well.
- Water Resources certificate - students taking Senior Project (FANR 4500S) instead of Senior Thesis (FANR 4600) should take FISH 4200 or FISH 4650L as one of their electives to finish the coursework requirements. An associated seminar series is required.
- Biology minor - if ECOL 3500 taken for ecology, then one additional course from the following is required: BCMB 3100, BCMB 4020, CBIO 3400, CBIO 3600, or GENE 3200. A minimum grade of C is required for all courses applying towards the minor.
- Ecology minor - if ECOL 3500 taken for ecology, then a student may take ECOL 3530 to earn the ecology minor. A minimum grade of C is required for all courses applying towards this minor.