Initial Contact: Dr. Peter Pekins E-mail: pete.pekins@unh.edu Telephone: (603) 862-1017 Office: 214 James Hall
Print the Programs of Study
	Major in Wildlife Ecology
	Minor in Wildlife Ecology
	Wildlife Ecology Honors-in-Major

The depletion of natural resources, the pollution of air and water, and the urbanization of rural environments place increasing demands on our wildlife and their habitats. Individuals trained in wildlife ecology and management are needed to manage traditional game species, to work with nongame and endangered species, and to understand the social and political aspects of the wildlife resource.

The wildlife major teaches understanding, management, and utilization of the wildlife resource. Students take courses from a variety of disciplines within the natural, physical, and social sciences.

During the academic year, students gain field experience in wildlife habitats throughout the state. A captive wildlife research facility for energetics studies provides additional "beyond the classroom" learning opportunities.

To further broaden their education and to strengthen their prospects for employment, undergraduates are encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects. It is generally possible for majors to gain pertinent wildlife experience in a variety of areas including work with captive wildlife, as well as radiotelemetry, habitat assessment, and other field studies.

Program of Studies

Wildlife-specific courses place emphasis upon biology and ecology, populations, habitat, techniques, and policy. The major requirements are designed to provide the broad scientific foundation and practical skills necessary to manage the wildlife resource. The wildlife profession involves managing wildlife and their habitats, and people and their activities. Thus, students entering this field need an aptitude in science including Biology, Mathematics, and Chemistry or Physics, as well as communication skills. Three units of high school mathematics and two laboratory science courses are recommended.

Wildlife Ecology Faculty

All wildlife faculty teach each semester in the undergraduate program and direct varied research programs involving numerous topics and species (e.g., frogs, deer, moose, rabbits, birds, turtles, salamanders, snakes, wild turkeys). Current research activities include conservation biology, endangered species, habitat fragmentation, integrated forest-wildlife management, wetland wildlife ecology, game management, and bioenergetics. Motivated undergraduates are provided unique opportunities to assist with faculty and graduate student research efforts. You can view Faculty Profiles here.

Graduate School Placement

Approximately 25-30 percent of graduates pursue advanced degrees. Alumni enter graduate programs throughout the country.

Employment Opportunities

The federal government (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service), state wildlife agencies, private conservation organizations, and environmental consulting firms hire wildlife graduates. Ongoing wildlife research at UNH provides excellent opportunities for undergraduates to obtain wildlife-related work experience. Students are encouraged to participate in such research, obtain pertinent summer employment, and be active in the student chapter of the Wildlife Society. Such activities are enjoyable and also enhance a student’s prospects for future employment and/or placement in a graduate program. Go to our Job Search page to search for the job!

Facilities

The close proximity of the seacoast, rural New Hampshire, the White Mountain National Forest , and the University’s 3800 woodland acres, including College Woods, provides continual and varied opportunities for outdoor laboratories in freshman-senior courses. Overnight field trips, daily laboratories, and much research occurs at the Bartlett Experimental Forest and Research Station in the White Mountain National Forest. Approximately 1 in 5 students participate in a study abroad program.

Blackboard for the Prospective Student

So, you're interested, right? Now you want to know what it's like to be a Natural Resources undergraduate student. Well, you can get an in-depth look at the courses we offer, and experience what it's like to be a part of the Department of Natural Resources by visiting our Blackboard for the Prospective Student web site. Here you can tour some of our most popular courses - view photo slideshows of students in the field and in the classroom, read course syllabi, hear from the Department Chair, and much more!

To experience it now, follow these simple instructions:
Note: Blackboard must be viewed using Internet Explorer.

• Start at the Blackboard home page: http://blackboard.unh.edu
• Click on the Organizations & Departments tab at the top
• Follow the link for Academic Departments
• Click on Department of Natural Resources - Outreach