Best Colleges for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management

Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduates play a crucial role in conserving natural ecosystems and protecting endangered species. With only 37 schools offering this specialized major, students have limited but focused options for their education. Graduates typically earn $27,464 annually in entry-level positions, though salaries increase significantly with experience and advanced degrees.

When evaluating programs, students should prioritize hands-on fieldwork opportunities, research partnerships with government agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and access to diverse ecosystems for study. Strong programs feature faculty with active research projects, internship connections with conservation organizations, and modern laboratory facilities. Look for curricula that blend biological sciences with practical management techniques and policy studies.

Schools Ranked

$29,523

Avg. Program Earnings

58.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

Top 25 Schools

College rankings
#	School	Median Earnings	Graduation Rate	School Type
1	Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, Texas	$40,017	51.7%	public
2	Valley City State University Valley City, North Dakota	$38,289	48.1%	public
3	Michigan Technological University Houghton, Michigan	$35,060	68.7%	public
4	Montana State University Bozeman, Montana	$33,993	57.3%	public
5	South Dakota State University Brookings, South Dakota	$33,423	59.6%	public
6	Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, Tennessee	$32,213	54.2%	public
7	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$32,213	73.5%	public
8	Utah State University Logan, Utah	$29,685	57.3%	public
9	College of the Ozarks Point Lookout, Missouri	$29,685	61.3%	private-nonprofit
10	Arkansas Tech University Russellville, Arkansas	$29,322	48.7%	public
11	Mississippi State University Mississippi State, Mississippi	$29,141	62.9%	public
12	Tarleton State University Stephenville, Texas	$28,598	51.2%	public
13	Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, Missouri	$28,381	57.5%	public
14	Auburn University Auburn, Alabama	$28,366	79.2%	public
15	West Virginia University Morgantown, West Virginia	$28,236	61.2%	public
16	New Mexico State University-Main Campus Las Cruces, New Mexico	$27,890	52.2%	public
17	University of Idaho Moscow, Idaho	$27,343	60.9%	public
18	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$26,739	56.0%	public
19	Brigham Young University-Idaho Rexburg, Idaho	$26,353	55.1%	private-nonprofit
20	Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science Paul Smiths, New York	$25,774	53.3%	private-nonprofit
21	Washington State University Pullman, Washington	$25,658	61.6%	public
22	University of Maine Orono, Maine	$25,658	56.4%	public
23	Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, Kentucky	$25,658	49.7%	public
24	The University of Montana Missoula, Montana	$25,194	45.4%	public
25	Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan	$25,194	82.2%	public