The Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife is a Bachelor degree offered by The Ohio State University on the Columbus campus in United States of America. The program is delivered on campus as a Full Time course in English and requires approximately 4 years to complete. Students study at the Columbus campus while gaining the knowledge and practical experience expected for this area of study. The next intake is available from August 24, 2027.

About Bachelor of Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife

Learn to use basic biology to solve problems in the conservation and restoration of landscapes, ecosystems, habitats, and plant and animal species that are affected by man's use of resources.

Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife

Degree: BS

Campus: Columbus

School: Environment and Natural Resources

The forestry, fisheries and wildlife major at Ohio State is an applied-science major that equips students with the knowledge and skills to solve problems in the conservation and restoration of landscapes, ecosystems, habitats, and plant and animal species that are affected by humanâ€™s use of resources. Intensive training in one or two of the disciplines as well as a broad base of knowledge helps students to advance in future careers as biologists, administrators and education specialists.

Get started

Admitted students can directly enroll as majors in forestry, fisheries and wildlife within the School of Environment and Natural Resources. A studentâ€™s first year will include several foundational courses in environment and natural resources as well as general education requirements such as mathematics, chemistry, biology, the humanities, etc.

Curriculum

The following foundational courses provide an initial exposure to an array of issues that impact natural resources, focusing on physical and natural sciences as well as the social sciences:

Introduction to Environmental Science
Society and Natural Resources
Introduction to Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife
Introduction to Soil Science

Specializations

Forestry: Many foresters work for federal and state land management agencies, manage public lands, and provide technical assistance to private landowners. The private sector offers opportunities to manage pulp and timber operations. A forester or forest biologist will look at the diversity of tree species, investigate soils, slope, water and all aspects of the environment and its effects on the forests ability to thrive. Forestry students may take courses in ornithology, animal diversity, wildlife ecology, biology of woody forests, forest ecosystems, forest biometry, photo interpretation, silvaculture, city and regional planning, fire ecology, and forest entomology.

Fisheries: Fish are important for food, recreational sport fishing and as indicators of the water quality in the streams, rivers, lakes and oceans. Fisheries biologists and technicians work for aquariums, public land management agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, and both private and government fish hatcheries. Students will take courses in chemistry, physics, ecology, plankton, limnology, fish ecology, aquatic entomology, wetland ecology, ichthyology, aquaculture and fisheries management.

Wildlife: Wildlife biologists spend considerable time outdoors determining size and health of wildlife populations for improved management. With our increasing human population and urban sprawl, there is an ever increasing pressure on wildlife and competition for habitat. Many wild animals have been managed back to abundance from the brink of extinction. Wildlife management emphasizes managing ecosystems so that each component remains healthy and balanced. They work for public and private agencies conducting research and implementing management plans. Students can expect to take courses in chemistry, physics, ornithology, animal diversity, ammology, wildlife ecology and management, wildlife identification, local flora, animal form and function, environmental communications, entomology, and more depending on their area of interest. Because veterinary prerequisites are included in the program, many students in this program pursue veterinary medicine.

Study abroad

All students are encouraged to gain an international experience with study abroad. Several study tours offer programs focusing on aspects of the environment, natural resources or sustainability in places such as China, the Dominican Republic, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Iceland.

Internship

Students gain valuable work experience through internships in federal, state and private agencies and organizations. By working with SENR Career Services, students can find local, national and international internships related to their career goals.

Honors and Scholars

The Environment and Natural Resources Honors program challenges high-ability students by providing a program in greater breadth and depth and provides special recognition and scholarships for outstanding scholastic achievement. Students are able to design their own study plan that guides their course selection and honors research. Freshmen with University Honors standing may be accepted directly as a candidate for the Environment and Natural Resources Honors program.

Environment and Natural Resources Scholars live together in Morrill Tower and share an interest and passion for the environment and being outdoors. Students participate in service learning projects, educational trips, and seminars and workshops with leading environmental researchers.

Learn more at honors-scholars.osu.edu.

Research

Students interested in pursuing research can engage in the generation of new knowledge and understanding alongside world-class faculty and complete requirements to graduate with research distinction.

Students present their research at the collegeâ€™s Undergrad Research Forum to prepare for the university-wide Denman Undergraduate Research Forum.

Students can also take advantage of research projects monitoring the health of the Lake Erie environment at Stone Lab.

Student organizations

Student organizations, such as the Fish and Wildlife Club and Forestry Forum, give students hands-on experiences in the field and help them develop network connections with professionals.

Students have the opportunity to join the SUSTAINS Learning Community, which fosters connections among students who are interested in becoming sustainable leaders. Students will learn how sustainability influences their own and others' lives and how their actions impact society.

Possible careers

The School of Environment and Natural Resources Career Services Office assists students with one-on-one counseling to identify job opportunities, preparing cover letters and resumes, and preparing for interviews.

Graduates of the forestry, fisheries and wildlife program will find themselves in a competitive and rewarding career field. Students are encouraged to pursue advanced education, giving them substantial research experience, which is needed to work as a biologist in many areas. More than half of the students in forestry, fisheries and wildlife go on for advanced degrees.

Salary estimates

Entry-level positions as natural resources specialists and technicians in forestry, fisheries and wildlife can expect typical salaries around $34,000 to $56,000 per year. Those with advanced degrees may find starting salaries slightly higher at $61,000 per year and up.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife at The Ohio State University

Entry Requirements

Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.

Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State

Enrollment in your intended major

Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

English Program Requirements

we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife at The Ohio State University

How to Apply for Bachelor of Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife at The Ohio State University

How do I submit scores?

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

Tips for sending scores to Ohio State

Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.

Is the essay required?

The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.

Should I take a standardized test more than once?

Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.

How does Ohio State look at scores?

When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.

These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.

Official transcripts

High school transcripts

Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.

How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:

Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.

Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.

Official ACT or SAT scores

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

How do I submit my scores?

We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.

Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor

While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.

If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to [email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.

Official proof of English language skills

You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:

TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher

You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.

*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.