Researchers take water samples on Quesnel Lake, B.C.

Wildlife and Fisheries

Gain a solid foundation in wildlife and fisheries biology and develop an integrated approach to resource issues facing today’s wildlife and fisheries professionals.

Combine the theoretical and practical lab experience that provides you with the background to pursue post-graduate studies and public- and private-sector employment in the wildlife or fisheries professions.

Degree
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Campus
Prince George
Credits
123 credits,  4 Years,
Part-time available
Experiential Learning
Co-op,  Faculty Supervised Research,  Study Abroad,  Undergraduate Research Experience
Honours Option
Yes
Intakes
Jan,  May,  Sep

Program Details

Learn about natural resources management, chemistry, ecology, biology, genetics, physics, soil science, forest plant systems and botany in your first two years.

Delve into a wide range of topics in your third and fourth years:

  • ornithology and mammalogy
  • animal diseases and parasites
  • environmental impact assessment
  • ethics
  • Indigenous perspectives on land and resource management 
  • wildlife, fisheries and watershed management

This degree provides the theoretical background you need to work as a biologist, but also exposes you to extensive hands-on and practical skills training for entry into the wildlife and fisheries field. 

Program Website Academic Calendar

Career Paths

  • Registered Professional Biologist
  • Wildlife biologist
  • Government-sector careers in wildlife, fisheries, forestry, parks and resource management
  • Private-sector careers in biological consulting, environmental education and interpretation
  • Municipal, provincial, federal government researcher
  • Careers in teaching, enforcement and management
This degree provides you a sound biological background for a career in wildlife or fisheries professions, or to pursue post-graduate studies.

You’ll also meet the education requirements for eligibility as a Registered Professional Biologist in B.C.

Why at UNBC

  • Discover a unique program that combines wildlife and fisheries, one of very few of its kind in Canada
  • Gain the educational requirements to become a Registered Professional Biologist in B.C.
  • Develop applied skills through indoor and outdoor laboratory experience
  • Your small upper-division class sizes provide a unique learning environment
UNBC motto

'En Cha Huná

UNBC’s motto, from the Dakelh (Carrier) Elders, reminds us that all people have a voice and a viewpoint. Interpreted as “respecting all forms of life,” 'En Cha Huná encapsulates the spirit of academic freedom, respect for others, and willingness to recognize different perspectives.

Admission Requirements

High School Requirements (applicable for B.C. and Yukon)

Overall average of 65% minimum in the following:

  • English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12
  • Pre-Calculus 12 (minimum 60%)
  • Approved Academic Grade 12 Course
  • Approved Academic Grade 12 Course
  • Additional Grade 12 Course (Elective or Academic)

Other requirements: Life Sciences 11 or Anatomy & Physiology 12**

**Anatomy & Physiology 12 can be counted as one of the Approved Academic Grade 12 courses.

Domestic

View the full list of Approved Academic Grade 12 Courses

More high school admission requirements (including out-of-province, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement)

Transfer Requirements

  • Have attempted at least 15 credit hours of post-secondary transferrable coursework from a recognized institution
  • Be in good academic standing at the transfer institution
  • Have a 2.0 GPA from the most recent 30 credits prior to transfer
  • For the purposes of verifying any outstanding first-year prerequisites, high school transcripts may be requested

Detailed transfer requirements

Tuition and Fees

Approximate Costs per Academic Year

(30 credit hours, 10 courses)

  Domestic International
Tuition* $5,870 $24,770
Student Fees* $1,185 $1,185
Books* $1,700 $1,700

* Tuition, fees and books are subject to change and vary among programs.

Tuition and Fees

Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

View the hundreds of available scholarships, bursaries, and awards.

  • 1 in 4 students receive a UNBC financial award.
  • $3,500,000 in financial awards given each year.
Awards and Financial Aid Information for Indigenous Students