The Best Master’s in Wildlife & Wildlands Science and Management Programs

Industrialization and the growing human population increasingly affect the natural world. A master’s in wildlife and wildlands science and management can equip students with the skills they need to better manage our impact and protect nature. The degree can lead to environmentalism, zoology, and conservation careers.

The Bureau of Labor of Statistics (BLS) projects 8% growth in life, physical, and social science occupations between 2020 and 2030, an addition of more than 110,000 new jobs. Furthermore, the median annual salary in this sector exceeded the median annual salary for all occupations by more than $20,000 in May 2021.

Despite the strong job outlook, rising program costs and graduate school debts can dissuade prospective students from choosing graduate school. To help prospective students with their decision, we look at the best master’s in wildlife and wildlands science and management programs from the top traditional and online schools.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team

Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Master’s Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Programs ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 23 schools that qualify for our ranking list based on the following criteria.

To ensure the accuracy and quality of our final ranked list, the ranking team reviewed each qualifying school to ensure it met the criteria for our ranking, and then applied our proprietary ranking methodology to identify the best schools offering this program in the nation. Each school is ranked based on a formula measuring academic factors (60%) and affordability (40%).

The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.

Yes. A master’s in wildlife and wildlands science and management program can provide students with very specialized training in an important field. These courses of study can also prepare graduates for positions managing natural resources and multiple-use land. They also learn to support wildlife and ecological conservation efforts.

While traditional programs come with many benefits, remote learners can enjoy the added value of an online degree. Online learning offers flexibility, which can help working professionals balance school and their jobs. Limited travel requirements also enable degree-seekers to expand their search parameters.

A master’s in wildlife and wildlands science and management program can prepare graduates to pursue many careers in the life sciences sector. They may apply for jobs in zoology and wildlife biology, environmental science, conservation science, and forestry. They may even pursue positions in agricultural and food science.

Depending on their positions and specialties, these professionals may study specific animal populations, environmental changes and effects, and ecosystems. Their work may take place in one location or require extensive travel.

In addition to the many career options, graduates enjoy various continuing education possibilities. A master’s in wildlife and wildlands science and management can lead to doctorates in the same discipline. More specialized degrees may include doctorates in wildlife biology, in ecology, or in fisheries, wildlife, and conservation.

Graduates may also find post-graduate certificates in wildlife management, ecology, or related disciplines. In some locations, graduates may qualify for professional certification with the right courses and credentials.

Salaries for professionals with a master’s in wildlife and wildlands science and management depend on their position, location, and experience. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for life, physical, and social science occupations was $72,740 in May 2021.

The median annual salary for zoologists and wildlife biologists was $64,650 in May 2021, as per the BLS. Those with experience and advanced degrees may make more. The top 10% of professionals in this field earned $103,900 in May 2021. In federal government positions, the median annual wage was $81,890 during the same period.

The highest-paying jobs open to graduates with a master’s in wildlife and wildlands science and management belong to those in natural sciences management roles. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for these positions was $137,900 in May 2021. The top 10% of these professionals made more than $208,000.

Professionals in research and development earned the highest median annual wages ($170,770)in May 2021. Those in manufacturing earned $161,630, and professionals in consulting services made $151,870. Federal government workers earned $124,430, and those at the state government level made $86,320.

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