Frostburg State University

What you'll study

This programme builds a foundation in ecology, wildlife biology and natural resource management, combining core scientific principles with practical field and lab skills. Early coursework typically covers general biology, chemistry, ecology, and statistics, while later semesters focus on topics specific to wildlife and wildlands management.

• Core biological sciences – organismal and cellular biology, ecology, and population biology that underpin wildlife study.
• Wildlife-specific subjects – wildlife ecology, population dynamics, behavioural ecology, habitat management and conservation biology.
• Land and resource management – principles of silviculture, rangeland and watershed management, fire ecology and invasive species control.
• Applied skills – field techniques and instrumentation, wildlife sampling and monitoring, remote sensing and GIS for habitat mapping, and statistical analysis of ecological data.
• Policy, ethics and law – natural resource policy, wildlife law and ethics, permitting and compliance relevant to land and wildlife management.
• Capstone and experiential learning – senior projects, practicum or internship placements with conservation agencies, land managers or research groups, and supervised field courses that provide hands-on experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to have completed a high school programme including biology and mathematics; courses in chemistry and environmental science are advantageous. Typical admissions factors include academic transcripts, a demonstrated interest in natural history or field science (for example through volunteer work or summer field experience), and any standardised test scores if required by the university's current admissions policy.

For transfer applicants, relevant college-level credits in biology, ecology or related areas strengthen an application. International applicants should present equivalent secondary qualifications and evidence of English language proficiency when required. Successful candidates often show practical experience or aptitude for fieldwork and outdoor study.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles in natural resource and conservation sectors, often working for government agencies, non-profit organisations, private landowners and environmental consultancies. Common career paths include:

• Wildlife biologist or technician conducting species surveys, population monitoring and habitat assessments.
• Park ranger or land manager overseeing public lands, recreation management and habitat restoration projects.
• Conservation officer or wildlife law enforcement collaborator working on compliance and protection of wildlife resources.
• Environmental consultant advising on environmental impact assessments, mitigation and land-use planning.
• Research assistant or field ecologist in academic or applied research programmes.
• Progression to graduate study in wildlife science, conservation biology, natural resource management, or related disciplines for careers in research or higher-level management.

Why study at Frostburg State University

Frostburg State offers a curriculum that balances classroom instruction with substantial hands-on field training, benefitting from its location near Appalachian forests and a diversity of freshwater and upland habitats. Students have opportunities to gain practical experience through field courses, internships and partnerships with regional agencies and conservation organisations.

The programme emphasises small-class learning and close interaction with faculty, enabling mentoring on research projects and applied practicum. Students can combine wildlife training with complementary coursework in GIS, environmental studies or outdoor recreation management to broaden career options. Proximity to state and federal public lands and to regional natural resource agencies provides strong local networking and employment opportunities for graduates pursuing careers in wildlife and wildlands management.