WHAT IS FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE?

The Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife major options are applied sciences that use basic biology to solve problems in conservation and restoration of landscapes, ecosystems, habitats, and plant and animal species that are affected by human utilization of natural resources. Forestry, fisheries and wildlife specialists also address the biological, economic and social aspects of managing forest lands and terrestrial and aquatic vertebrate populations to sustain the quality of human life. The Forestry, Fisheries anad Wildlife major provides deep training in one or two of the disciplines, while giving students a broad base of knowledge they can draw upon to seek interdisciplinary solutions to contemporary problems and to advance their academic and professional careers.

Forestry Option
Foresters work in a variety of environments and for many kinds of organizations. Many foresters work for state and federal agencies managing public lands or providing technical assistance to private landowners. Students with an interest in other cultures and ecosystems will find excellent opportunities in international programs. Private corporations employ foresters to manage woodlands for pulp and timber operations. Opportunities exist for constuling foresters who operate their own businesses. Foresters who pursue graduate degrees can find rewarding careers in research and teaching.

Urban forestry is the management for forested ecosystems dominated by human activity. Urban foresters are responsible for caring for trees and forests which exist within or close to cities, towns, and villages. Urban forestry differs from traditional forestry and arboriculture in that it takes an ecological approach to management of the urban forest as a whole rather than concentrating on individual trees or stands.

Fisheries Option
Fish are important to many different people for many different uses such as recreational sport fishing, food, public and private aquariums, and as indicators of the quality of streams, rivers, and lakes. Fisheries management focuses on the processes and principles of the fisheries resource. Using classroom and laboratory instruction as well as hands-on field courses, students are provided with the skills to compete for jobs which meet those needs.

Graduates are prepared to be competitive for jobs as fishery managers and aquaculturists. With graduate degrees or job experience, students often find employment as fisheries researchers, administrators, and educators. Typical employers include, private consulting firms, recreation and education facilities, state fish and game agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, and both private and government hatcheries.

Wildlife Option
Wildlife biologists spend considerable time outdoors determining size and health of wildlife populations for improved management. Many wild animals, such as the wood duck and the pronghorn, were managed back to abundance from the brink of extinction. Today most wild animals in the United States are being effectively conserved, however, much remains to be done here in the U.S. and internationally. Wildlife management emphasizes managing ecosystems so that all components remain healthy and balanced.

Wildlife managers work in state, federal, and private agencies such as Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or the National Wildlife Federation. Many environmental consulting firms hire wildlife biologists to monitor human impacts on wildlife and provide plans of action to create the least amount of disturbance. Careers in wildlife may include law enforcement, management, and research. To become a researcher, an MS or PhD is often required.

The Wildlife Society is a professional association that represents wildlife biologists and has a certification program to ensure that those who speak for wildlife have professional credentials. The Ohio State University is the only academic institution in Ohio that provides a complete academic foundation toward becoming a certified wildlife biologist.

Students may choose one of the following combined-focus options that are designed for, but not limited to, students that expect to seek professional employment after the Baccalaureate:
• Forestry and Wildlife
• Urban Forestry and Wildlife
• Fisheries and Wildlife

Students may select one of the following more disciplinary-intensive and science-based options that are designed for, but not limited to, students that expect to attend graduate or professional school:
• Forest Ecosystem Science and Management
• Fisheries Science
• Wildlife Science
• Wildlife and Pre-Veterinary Sciences

Society of American Foresters Accreditation information can be viewed at http://www.safnet.org/education/recognition.cfm

Curriculum Guide