COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology at Texas State University is a comprehensive 120–124 credit hour program designed to prepare students for careers in wildlife conservation, research, and environmental management. The curriculum begins with a strong foundation in core sciences during the freshman year, including biology (BIO 1330/1331 with labs), chemistry (CHEM 1341/1342), mathematics, and general education courses such as communication, history, government, and creative arts. In the sophomore year, students advance into more specialized biological studies like genetics, ecology, and organismal biology, along with statistics or calculus and additional chemistry coursework. The junior year focuses on deeper scientific application, including advanced biology courses such as BIO 4416, botany electives, vertebrate biology, physiology, and physics options, along with communication and philosophy requirements to strengthen analytical and ethical reasoning skills. A summer component may also include electives to maintain academic progression. During the senior year, students complete high-level courses like BIO 4301, BIO 4423, BIO 4425, and BIO 4435, alongside policy and conservation electives that emphasize wildlife management, environmental policy, and sustainability practices. The program requires students to complete specific elective groups, including advanced vertebrate courses (covering areas like ornithology, mammalogy, and herpetology), botany courses, physiology, and conservation or policy-focused classes. Students must also complete at least 36 advanced (3000–4000 level) credit hours and nine writing-intensive hours. This degree is aligned with the requirements for certification by The Wildlife Society as an Associate Wildlife Biologist, making graduates highly competitive for careers in government agencies, conservation organizations, research institutions, and environmental consulting, while also preparing them for advanced studies in biology or related fields.