The Bachelor of Science in Rangeland, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management (RWFM) degree program educates and trains students to become the next generation of stewards, scientists, and policy makers, who promote ecosystem sustainability through sound management practices. Through fieldwork, research, and facilitated internships, RWFM students experience a range of learning opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom, preparing them for real-world application of knowledge.

RWFM equips students with the skill sets, educational background, and ethical standards needed to obtain career building certifications required in natural resource professions. This program provides the sound foundation that prepares students to continue their education into graduate and other professional programs or pursue a wide range of careers in leading conservation and science-based agencies at state and federal levels, as well as private land enterprises and non-governmental organizations. In response to the complexity and diversity of the field, the B.S. in RWFM program offers four unique specialization tracks to further tailor a student’s degree to best meet post-graduation needs.

The Rangeland Management track combines the disciplines of ecology and range management to best promote the production, conservation, function, and stewardship of rangelands found around the world. The curriculum focuses on fundamental ecological and rangeland principles used in addressing leading challenges, such as watershed health, invasive exotic plant control, and wildland fires. Included in this track is a summer field camp, providing intense field experience to solidify principles students will need to pursue advanced coursework in focal management areas. Upon graduation, students meet the basic qualifications to apply for certificates in Certified Professional in Rangeland Management and Certified Range Management Consultants, providing competitive credentials in today’s job market. Students will be prepared to seek employment with government agencies, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, or head into environmental and natural resources consulting or private sector ranch management.

The Wildlife Management track builds a strong foundation in managing wildlife populations and their habitats, with courses targeting key topics such as wildlife population dynamics, anatomy and physiology, habitat management principles, and wildlife techniques. Included in this track are summer field practicum and internship requirements, providing intense field experience opportunities to solidify principles students will need to understand to pursue advanced coursework in focal management areas. Upon graduation, students will meet the basic qualifications to apply for The Wildlife Society’s Associate Wildlife Biologist certification, and later the Certified Wildlife Biologist certification following professional experience, providing competitive credentials in today’s job market. This program is designed to teach the necessary background and experience to seek careers in the growing wildlife management field and to prepare students to lead in the wildlife profession through advanced technical skill, professional communication, and scientific expertise. Students will be prepared to seek employment with government agencies, such as Texas Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or venture into biological consulting, environmental non-profit agencies, or research-oriented professions.

The Aquaculture and Fisheries Management track blends chemistry, mathematics, and biology basics with the advanced techniques necessary to sustainably manage wild fish populations or inland fishery/aquaculture operations. Courses are designed to focus on the integration of applied fisheries management and aquaculture production disciplines, preparing students to handle traditional and emerging, complex issues. Core areas of study include fish biology and disease, hatchery management, commercial aquaculture production, restoration and stock enhancement aquaculture, aquatic ecosystem management, and water quality management. Upon graduation, students will meet the basic qualifications to apply for the American Fisheries Society’s Associate Fisheries Professional certification, and later the Certified Fisheries Professional certification following professional experience, providing competitive credentials in today’s job market. Students will be prepared to seek employment in a variety of careers spanning government agencies, such as Texas Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or private aquaculture operations.

The Natural Resource Management and Policy track prepares students to examine environmental and conservation issues through a multi-disciplinary framework that includes political, cultural, social, economic, regulatory, and ecological dimensions. Courses emphasize development of skill sets that promote strong interpersonal skills, leadership, and collaboration with varied stakeholder groups. These critical skills are taught in the classroom and through field experiences, working in tandem to enhance students’ ability to assess complex environmental issues, envision a desired conservation outcome, and design and implement a plan needed to bring visions to fruition. The diverse coursework of this track prepares students for a variety of careers in industries such as public service, outdoor education, park and protected area management, environmental planning and consultation, and non-profit organizations.