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College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
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      • Bachelor of Science in Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management
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        • Dr. James H. “Red” Duke
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WFSC Undergraduate Legacy Degrees

Current WFSC and ESSM Students

In January 2020, our department was established after a restructuring of the former Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences and Ecosystem and Science Management Departments. The support of our current students still going through the program under the legacy departments is of utmost importance to us. To help with this transition, RWFM degree programs are not currently active. Incoming undergraduate and graduate students will still come in under Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences or Ecosystem and Science Management degree programs.

Legacy Degree Options

Wildlife and fisheries sciences uses the latest in the ecological and management disciplines to provide the most diverse and progressive education available in the conservation of the earth’s biodiversity. The conservation and management of wildlife and fisheries resources require resolution of increasingly complex issues that extend far beyond the bounds of classical biology. Contemporary wildlife and fisheries professionals must be well-versed in the life and physical sciences, mathematics, and the language, philosophy and culture.

Undergraduate Course Catalog

Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences

Curricula in wildlife and fisheries sciences are designed to provide both the traditional and contemporary dimensions of academic instruction necessary to transform motivated and intellectually capable students into competent professionals. WFSC offers a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences with a concentration in one of four options.

Renewable Natural Resources 

The goal of this core/emphasis structure is to provide students with an identity as a renewable natural resources specialist, while, at the same time, affording the flexibility for preparation for a variety of career tracks. One emphasis focuses on management and the other on policy. 

Wildlife Ecology & Conservation 

This concentration includes three sub-concentrations: Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Wildlife Ecology, and Conservation Biology. It is designed for students interested in the research, management, and conservation of wildlife and the ecosystems that support it. This option provides considerable flexibility when designing a degree program and allows students to focus on both conservation and management terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Job opportunities are available with state and federal agencies; private land management individuals and companies; state, national and international organizations; environmental consulting firms; and various private enterprises. 

Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences 

This concentration is designed for both students interested in the research and management of fish, other freshwater and marine organisms, and the ecosystems that sustain them, as well as controlled production of organisms in aquatic systems. For students interested in the controlled production of organisms in aquatic systems, courses in this concentration are structured to provide the scientific and technological basis of fish culture. Careers are available in state and federal resource agencies; fisheries management companies; nongovernmental conservation organizations; environmental consulting firms; and private consultation. In addition, careers may be available in supporting areas such as quality control, supply, marketing, distribution, finance, consultation as well as domestic and foreign resource development. This option meets American Fisheries Society requirements for certification as an Associate Fisheries Professional. 

Vertebrate Zoology (Pre-Professional) 

This concentration provides the rigorous training needed for careers in the fields of ichthyology, herpetology, mammalogy and ornithology, with disciplinary expertise in areas such as behavior, ecology, evolution, genetics, molecular biology, physiology and systematics. It is a flexible program that permits the inclusion of courses specifically required by graduate degree programs as well as schools of dentistry, law, medicine and veterinary medicine. 

Additional Degree Option

Bachelor of Science/ Master of Public Service Administration Joint-Degree

The Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management and The Bush School of Government and Public Service offers a five-year joint-degree program that allows undergraduate students majoring in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences to enter the Master of Public Service and Administration program at the beginning of their fourth year. The program integrates the science and practice of managing fish and wildlife populations with policies for these public resources on both public and private lands.

Minor

Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences offers an 18-hour minor in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences as a supplement to other related majors. The minor includes three required courses as well as three additional courses that students can choose from which include courses centered on wildlife management, fisheries management, habitat management, and differences among the different types of wildlife. Students will get an exposure to both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife and habitats. Learn more about the requirements for the wildlife and fisheries minor.

Certifications

Students in consultation with their advisor may choose coursework that will allow certification as either an Associate Fisheries Professional or an Associate Wildlife Biologist. Certification by these professional societies provides standards and guidelines for professional recognition and serve as a mark of accomplishment as well as a measure of status and credibility among peers. Professional certification also may set graduates apart from others in a competitive  marketplace and allow a greater range of career opportunities.

Wildlife Ecology & Conservation

Completion of a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences in one of several degree options provides the opportunity to obtain professional certification through the Wildlife Society. For additional information on applying for certification as an Associate Wildlife Biology, please visit the Wildlife Society website.

Aquatic Ecology & Conservation

Completion of a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences in one of several degree options provides the opportunity to obtain professional certification through the American Fisheries Society. For additional information on applying for certification as a Fisheries Professional, please visit the American Fisheries Society website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the WFSC and ESSM Departments?

In January 2020, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Ecological Systems Management Department and a portion of the Department of Recreation Parks and tourism Sciences—went through a restructuring. Patrick Stover, Ph.D., vice chancellor of Texas A&M AgriLife and dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences led these efforts, which resulted in the formation of two new departments—the Departments of Ecology and Conservation Biology and Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management. 

Why did the WFSC and ESSM departments restructure?

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ administration and leadership believed that this restructuring was necessary to better serve students, Texas landowners and the public in addressing local and global environmental and natural resources challenges. This restructuring will allow us to adapt and react better to the changes happening within our respective fields, to ensure that both departments are able to advance teaching, research and Extension efforts to achieve excellence.

What is the difference between the two departments?

The Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology exists to advance scholarship in the science of ecology, conservation biology and natural resources through research and education. Studies in ECCB will enhance students’ understanding of ecology, conservation biology, and various ecosystems, while investigating the origins and ecology of species, populations and communities.

The Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management aims to prepare the next generation of natural resource stewards through teaching, research and engagement. Studies in RWFM focus on land and species management to ensure healthy plant and animal communities in the future. A primary difference between the two departments is RWFM’s AgriLife Extension unit, in place to disseminate science-based knowledge associated with natural resource management and policy to landowners, industry professionals and lawmakers. 

Who is leading the new ECCB and RWFM departments?

Currently, Department Head and Professor of Animal Science Cliff Lamb, Ph.D., has been appointed as Interim Department Head for RWFM. Professor Kirk Winemiller, Ph.D. has been appointed as Interim Department Head for ECCB.

Will this set back current WFSC and ESSM students?

It sure won’t! We know that this might seem stressful for our current students, but we’re here to take every action possible to make sure that we make this process as streamlined and easy for them as possible! While our new departments formed in January 2020, the new degree programs are currently inactive. Current ESSM and WFSC students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs will remain in those programs until they graduate. Incoming Fall 2020 students will also be entering in under the legacy degree programs. 

When will the new RWFM degree programs be implemented?

At the moment, we have committees working to develop the new degree programs. We hope to get them in place and approved as soon as possible, but we want to make sure that we carefully consider changes and additions to the program. We also understand that these processes take time, so bear with us.

I’m a prospective student. Which new department is right for me?

We’re so glad you asked! Deciding on a program of study is a big step and we want to make sure we provide you all the resources necessary to make that decision. When our new degree programs are put in place, we can answer all of your questions about studies in RWFM. In the meantime, our talented undergraduate and graduate advisors are happy to talk to you about the legacy programs and help find the right degree for you. 

Undergraduate advisors

  • Lee, Faegen

    Faegen Lee

    Academic Advisor II

    (979) 862-4215

    fdlee@tamu.edu

    WFES 116

  • Pool, Ann

    Ann Pool

    Senior Academic Advisor

    (979) 845-0122

    annpool@tamu.edu

  • Ray, Amanda

    Amanda Ray

    Graduate Advisor - Advisor IV

    (979) 862-6470

    amanda.ray@tamu.edu

    WFES 120

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