Wildlife Biology and Conservation
Why Wildlife Biology and Conservation?
Building on the University of Guelph’s long-standing reputation in the areas of biology and natural resource management, Wildlife Biology and Conservation is currently the only major in Canada that explicitly integrates ecology, evolution, and conservation into a four-year major.
This major empowers you to explore the relationship between ecosystems and organisms, from the molecular level to populations, as well as ways to conserve species through natural system management and interdisciplinary approaches of ecology, evolution and conservation.
After building a foundation in the biological sciences, you’ll have the flexibility in your upper years to focus your courses on some or all of the program’s three themes: ecology, evolution and conservation. In your fourth year, you’ll take a capstone course, which allows you to ask and test a research problem of interest to you.
To see all courses offered in this degree, visit our Academic Calendar.
Protect Biological Diversity
With a strong foundation in evolution, ecology and conservation biology, you’ll be equipped to understand and address the pressing challenges facing wildlife and their habitats through best practices in management and conservation.
Tackle Issues Facing Wildlife
Explore the complex interplay between science, socioeconomic factors and public opinion in the forging of public policy decisions and the value of interdisciplinary approaches to complex problems in wildlife biology.
Gain Hands-on Experience
Take your studies beyond the classroom through world-renowned research facilities on campus, including the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, Hagen Aqualab and Phytotron greenhouses, and in the field, including in Algonquin Provincial Park and the university’s very own Arboretum.
- Top 5 Comprehensive University
- in Canada (Macleans 2024)
- Top 150 in the World
- for Life Sciences (Times Higher Education 2024)
- Top 20% in the World
- for Biological Sciences (QS Top Universities 2024)
- Top 3 in Canada
- for Wildlife and Fisheries Management and Conservation (EduRank 2024)
Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op
The Wildlife Biology and Conservation co-op is a five-year program that includes four paid work terms. Apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to the real world, with hands-on work experiences available in private, non-profit, and governmental organizations. Benefits of co-op include:
- Relevant work experience
- Up to 16 months of work experience
- Earning while learning
- Career exploration
- Professional networking
Students can apply for the co-op program directly from high school or later for in-course admission.
- Animal Care Attendant
- Apiary Research Assistant
- Bush Camp Guide
- Conservation Technician
- Environmental Field Technician
- Field Biologist
- Forestry and Horticulture Survey Student
- Junior Policy Analyst
- Research Assistant
- Species at Risk Officer
- Stewardship Assistant
- Student Fisheries Technician
- Student Forester
- Wildlife Technician
What Can I Do With a Degree in Wildlife Biology and Conservation?
The program prepares students for careers in resource management, conservation, ecological consulting, teaching, and government service, as well as post-graduate work in ecology, evolutionary biology, environmental sciences, or wildlife management.
With their practical experience gained in lab, field and research courses, combined with knowledge of strategies for conservation, management and policy, our graduates land exciting positions across private and public sectors.
Here are a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:
- Wildlife Biologist
- Conservation Officer
- Research Technician
- Wildlife Educator and Interpreter
- Park Ranger
- Science Writer
- Bioinformatics Coordinator
Hear From a Wildlife Biology and Conservation Student and Graduate
The Wildlife Biology and Conservation program is super unique and I’ve loved every part of it. In my first and second years, I was able to learn a little bit about each discipline the program covers: ecology, evolution, and conservation. I was most interested in ecology and conservation, so having the flexibility in my upper years to cater my program and electives to my interests was really cool and beneficial to my learning. The program definitely helped shape my career choices, as well as my personal and academic growth.
In my co-op at the Toronto Zoo, I’ve gained so much experience working with kids and learning how to cater to their demographic in ways that make conservation fun and interactive. I’ve also learned so much about the Toronto Zoo’s conservation initiatives and how anyone and everyone can help our beloved plant and animal species.
Discover More Options
Students considering studying Wildlife Biology and Conservation may also be interested in Marine and Freshwater Biology, Zoology, or other majors.
Admission Requirements
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Scholarships & Bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial aid programs to assist with funding your education at the University of Guelph.
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