Undergraduate Degree

Fisheries and Wildlife

Program:
Fisheries and Wildlife
Plan Code:
FISHWL_BS1
Program Level:
Undergraduate
Award Type:
Bachelor of Science
College:
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Relevant Excerpt(s) from Academic Programs:
Department:
Fisheries and Wildlife
Relevant Excerpt(s) from Academic Programs:


Excerpt from the official Academic Programs Catalog:

Listed below are the approved requirements for the program from the official Academic Programs Catalog.
Students must consult their advisors to learn which specific requirements apply to their degree programs.


College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Department of Fisheries and Wildlife

Undergraduate Programs
Fisheries and Wildlife

The Fisheries and Wildlife undergraduate major focuses on interactions between humans and the natural world through courses that link three foundational topics: (1) the ecology of Earth’s ecosystems and their animal populations, (2) the diversity of ways in which people use and value natural resources, and (3) the application of management techniques, informed by scientific understanding and guided by human goals and values, to meet global challenges threatening the sustainability of Earth’s ecosystems and their animal populations. The program of study includes course work in the life sciences, social sciences, and field, lab and analytic techniques; it also includes an experiential learning component, such as study abroad and/or professional internships. Our students value the relatively small class sizes and dedicated faculty instructors.  This program prepares students with interests in the life sciences, social sciences, and environmental policy for rewarding careers in fisheries, wildlife, or water quality management, conservation biology, animal health, and applied ecology. Our graduates most typically find employment with state and federal natural resource agencies, non-profit environmental organizations, private companies and consulting firms, as well as universities and colleges. 

Fisheries and wildlife undergraduates pursue their particular interests through completion of one of the following six concentrations, each of which delves more deeply into particular sub-components of this broad field. 

Conservation Biology focuses on the science of analyzing and protecting the earth’s biological diversity drawing from the biological, physical and social sciences, economics, and the practice of natural resource management.

Fisheries Biology and Management is designed for students interested in the research and management of fish, other freshwater and marine organisms, and the ecosystems that sustain them.
Wildlife Biology and Management is for students interested in understanding and managing terrestrial habitats and animals including game, non-game, and endangered species.

Water Sciences is designed for students interested in examining the biological, physical, chemical, geological and hydrological aspects of lakes and ponds, rivers and streams, wetlands and groundwaters including water quality. This concentration provides students with an understanding for protecting and restoring water resources around the Great Lakes and the world.

Fish and Wildlife Disease Ecology and Management is designed to provide students with an improved understanding of the emergence and spread of infectious diseases and the likely consequences that increased contact between fish and wildlife, and domestic animal and human populations have on these environmental problems.

Preveterinary is designed for students who are interested in careers in veterinary medicine and satisfies the course requirements for admission to Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dual advising at the College of Veterinary Medicine is required.

Students who complete the requirements for the Fisheries and Wildlife major and choose elective courses appropriately can also satisfy requirements for certification by: the American Fisheries Society as an Associate Fisheries Scientist;  the Wildlife Society as an Associate Wildlife Biologist; the Society of Wetland Scientists as a Wetland Professional-in-training.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Fisheries and Wildlife

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife.

    The University’s Tier II writing requirement for the Fisheries and Wildlife major is met by completing Fisheries and Wildlife 434 referenced in item 3. below.

    Students who are enrolled in the Fisheries and Wildlife major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife may complete an alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences by completing items 3. a. and 3. b. below. The completion of Biological Sciences 171 or 172 or Lyman Briggs 144 and Chemistry 161 or Lyman Briggs 171L satisfies the laboratory requirement. Completion of items 3. a. and 3. b. below will be counted toward both the alternative track and the requirements for the major.

    The completion of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources mathematics requirement may also satisfy the University mathematics requirement.
  2. The requirements of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the Bachelor of Science degree.

    Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.  The completion of item 3. d. below satisfies the College's mathematics requirement.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
                   
    a. One of the following groups of courses (9 or 10 credits): 
    (1) BS  161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    BS 171 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory 2
    BS 162 Organismal and Population Biology 3
    BS 172 Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory 2
    (2) LB  144 Biology I – Organismal Biology 4
    LB  145 Biology II: Cellular and Molecular Biology  5
    b. One of the following groups of courses (5 credits):
    (1) CEM  141 General Chemistry 4
    CEM  161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    (2) CEM  151 General and Descriptive Chemistry 4
    CEM  161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    (3) LB  171 Principles of Chemistry I 4
    LB  171L  Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    c. One course from each group (6 to 8 credits): 
    (1) PHY  231 Introductory Physics I 3
    PHY  183 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 4
    LB  273 Physics I 4
    (2) CSS  210 Fundamentals of Soil Science 3
    GLG 201 The Dynamic Earth 4
    GEO  203 Introduction to Meteorology 3
    GEO 206 Physical Geography 3
    d. One course from each group (6 or 7 credits): 
    (1) MTH  124 Survey of Calculus I 3
    MTH  132 Calculus I 3
    LB  118 Calculus I 4
    (2) STT  231 Statistics for Scientists 3
    STT  224 Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Ecologists 3
    STT  421 Statistics I  3
    e. Two of the following courses (6 credits): 
    COM 100 Human Communication 3
    COM 225 Introduction to Interpersonal Communication 3
    COM 275 Effects of Mass Communication 3
    CSUS 433 Grant Writing and Fund Development (W) 3
    FW  435 Integrated Communications for the Fisheries and Wildlife Professional 3
    JRN 472 Environment, Science and Health Reporting 3
    WRA 320 Technical Communication (W) 3
    WRA  331 Writing in the Public Interest (W) 3
    WRA 341 Nature and Environmental Writing 3
    WRA  453 Grant and Proposal Writing 3
    f. One of the following courses (3 credits): 
    FW 439 Conservation Ethics 3
    PHL  340 Ethics 3
    PHL 342 Environmental Ethics 3
    PHL  380 Nature of Science 3
    GEO  432 Environmental Ethics (W) 3
    g. Complete at least 3 credits from the following courses: 
    FW  493 Professional Internship in Fisheries and Wildlife 3
    FW  490 Independent Study in Fisheries and Wildlife 3
    FW  480 International Studies in Fisheries and Wildlife 3
    FW  499 Senior Thesis in Fisheries and Wildlife 4
    h. All of the following courses (17 credits): 
    FW  101 Fundamentals of Fisheries and Wildlife Ecology and Management 3
    FW  293 Undergraduate Seminar in Fisheries and Wildlife 1
    FW  364 Ecological Problem Solving 3
    FW  424 Population Analysis and Management 4
    FW  434 Human Dimension of Fisheries and Wildlife Management (W) 3
    IBIO 355 Ecology 3
    i. One of the following courses (2 or 3 credits):
    FW 101L Fundamentals of Fisheries and Wildlife Ecology and Management Laboratory 2
    FW 238 Introductory Fisheries and Wildlife Field Experience 3
    j. One of the following concentrations: 
    Conservation Biology (27 to 29 credits):
    (1) All of the following courses (12 credits):
    FW  444 Conservation Biology 3
    FW 445 Biodiversity Conservation Policy and Practice 3
    IBIO 445 Evolution (W) 3
    PLB 443 Restoration Ecology 3
    (2) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    FOR 404 Forest Ecology 3
    IBIO 485 Tropical Biology (W) 3
    PLB  441 Plant Ecology 3
    (3) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    CSS  350 Introduction to Plant Genetics 3
    IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
    (4) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    FW  410 Upland Ecosystem Management 3
    FW  414 Aquatic Ecosystem Management 3
    FW  416 Marine Ecosystem Management  3
    FW  417 Wetland Ecology and Management 3
    FW 454 Environmental Hydrology for Watershed Management 3
    FW  479 Fisheries Management 3
    (5) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    CSUS 464 Environmental and Natural Resource Policy in Michigan 3
    CSUS 465 Environmental and Natural Resource Law 3
    EEM 255 Ecological Economics 3
    FW 449 Wildlife Policy 3
    FW  481 Global Issues in Fisheries and Wildlife 3
    FOR  466 Natural Resource Policy 3
    IBIO 446 Environmental Issues and Public Policy 3
    MC 450 International Environmental Law and Policy 3
    (6) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    ENT  422 Aquatic Entomology  3
    FOR  204 Forest Vegetation 3
    FW  471 Ichthyology 4
    IBIO 360 Biology of Birds  4
    IBIO 365 Biology of Mammals 4
    IBIO 384 Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (W) 4
    PLB  218 Plants of Michigan 3
    PLB  418 Plant Systematics 3
    Fisheries Biology and Management (25 to 28 credits):
    (1) One of the following courses (3 credits): 
    FW  472 Limnology  3
    FW  420 Stream Ecology 3
    (2) All of the following courses (10 credits):
    FW  471 Ichthyology 4
    FW  479 Fisheries Management  3
    FW  474 Field and Laboratory Techniques for Aquatic Studies  3
    (3) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    FW  414 Aquatic Ecosystem Management 3
    FW  416 Marine Ecosystem Management 3
    FW  417 Wetland Ecology and Management 3
    FW 454 Environmental Hydrology for Watershed Management 3
    (4) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    ENT 404 Fundamentals of Entomology 3
    ENT  422 Aquatic Entomology 3
    IBIO 306 Invertebrate Biology 4
    (5) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    PLB  418 Plant Systematics 3
    PLB 424 Algal Biology 4
    (6) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    CSS 350 Introduction to Plant Genetics 3
    FW 431 Ecophysiology and Toxicology of Fishes 3
    IBIO 328 Comparative Anatomy and Biology of Vertebrates (W) 4
    IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
    Wildlife Biology and Management (26 or 27 credits):
    (1) All of the following courses (9 credits):
    FW  410 Upland Ecosystem Management 3
    FW  417 Wetland Ecology and Management 3
    FW 413 Wildlife Research and Management Techniques 3
    (2) Two of the following courses (8 credits):
    IBIO 360 Biology of Birds  4
    IBIO 365 Biology of Mammals 4
    IBIO 384 Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (W) 4
    (3) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    FOR  204 Forest Vegetation 3
    PLB  218 Plants of Michigan 3
    PLB  418 Plant Systematics 3
    (4) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    FOR 404 Forest Ecology 3
    PLB 105 Plant Biology 3
    PLB 203 Biology of Plants 3
    PLB 441 Plant Ecology 3
    (5) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    CSS 350 Introduction to Plant Genetics 3
    IBIO 328 Comparative Anatomy and Biology of Vertebrates (W) 4
    IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
    Water Sciences (24 to 28 credits):
    (1) Two of the following courses (6 credits):
    FW  417 Wetland Ecology and Management 3
    FW  420 Stream Ecology 3
    FW  472 Limnology 3
    (2) The following course (3 credits): 
    FW  474 Field and Laboratory Techniques for Aquatic Studies  3
    (3) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    FW  414 Aquatic Ecosystem Management 3
    FW  416 Marine Ecosystem Management 3
    FW 454 Environmental Hydrology for Watershed Management 3
    FW  479 Fisheries Management 3
    (4) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    ENT 404 Fundamentals of Entomology 3
    ENT  422 Aquatic Entomology 3
    FW  471 Ichthyology 4
    IBIO 306 Invertebrate Biology 4
    (5) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    PLB  418 Plant Systematics 3
    PLB  424 Algal Biology 4
    (6) Two of the following courses (6 to 8 credits):
    CSS 350 Introduction to Plant Genetics 3
    FW 431 Ecophysiology and Toxicology of Fishes 3
    GLG  421 Environmental Geochemistry 4
    IBIO 303 Oceanography 4
    IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
    IBIO 353 Marine Biology (W) 4
    MMG  425 Microbial Ecology 3
    Fish and Wildlife Disease Ecology and Management (30 or 31 credits):
    (1) All of the following courses (20 credits):
    FW  423 Principles of Fish and Wildlife Disease  3
    FW 423L  Principles of Fish and Wildlife Disease Laboratory  1
    FW  444 Conservation Biology 3
    FW 463 Wildlife Disease Ecology 3
    IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
    IBIO 445 Evolution (W) 3
    MMG 301 Introductory Microbiology 3
    (2) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    CEM 143 Survey of Organic Chemistry 4
    CEM 251 Organic Chemistry 3
    (3) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    FW  410 Upland Ecosystem Management 3
    FW  414 Aquatic Ecosystem Management 3
    FW  416 Marine Ecosystem Management 3
    FW  417 Wetland Ecology and Management 3
    FW 454 Environmental Hydrology for Watershed Management 3
    FW  479 Fisheries Management 3
    (4) One of the following courses (4 credits):
    FW 471 Ichthyology 4
    IBIO 306 Invertebrate Biology 4
    IBIO 360 Biology of Birds  4
    IBIO 365 Biology of Mammals 4
    IBIO 384 Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (W) 4
    Preveterinary (27 or 28 credits):
    (1) All of the following courses (24 credits):
    BMB  401 Comprehensive Biochemistry  4
    CEM  251 Organic Chemistry I 3
    CEM  252 Organic Chemistry II  3
    CEM  255 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2
    FW  423 Principles of Fish and Wildlife Disease  3
    FW  423L  Principles of Fish and Wildlife Disease Laboratory  1
    FW 463 Wildlife Disease Ecology 3
    PHY  251 Introductory Physics Laboratory I 1
    PHY  232 Introductory Physics II  3
    PHY 252 Introductory Physics Laboratory II  1
    (2) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    ANS  314 Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animals 4
    ANS 409 Problems, Controversies and Advancement in Reproduction 3
    ANS 435 Mammary Physiology 4
    ANS 445 Equine Exercise Physiology 4
    ANS 455 Avian Physiology 4
    BLD 434 Clinical Immunology 3
    IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
    IBIO 408 Histology 4
    IBIO 425 Cells and Development (W) 4
    IBIO 450 Cancer Biology (W) 3
    MMG 301 Introductory Microbiology 3
    MMG 409 Eukaryotic Cell Biology 3
    MMG 451 Immunology 3
    NEU 300 Neurobiology 3
    PSL 310 Physiology for Pre-Health Professionals 4