Both the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries recommend that high school students interested in working in fish and wildlife management take course loads heavy in math and science, especially biology and chemistry. Computers and social sciences may be helpful as well, and the organizations also recommend studying language arts and public speaking. Extracurricular activities related to the outdoors can also be beneficial.
Some colleges offer degrees in fisheries and wildlife. At North Carolina State University, for example, students in this major can choose to concentrate in either fisheries science or wildlife science. If your college does not offer this specific major, you can study a field like biology or zoology. You can then take courses emphasizing a particular area of your major, such as ichthyology, the study of fish, or ornithology, the study of birds.
Though a Bachelor of Science in fisheries and wildlife or a related degree program may get your foot in the door, a Master's degree is helpful for many higher level wildlife management and conservation careers. Graduate studies in administration or research could help you secure a better position. If you consider this option while still an undergraduate, it may help to guide you in which courses you should take during your Baccalaureate term.
If you are not sure exactly what courses you need, seek advice from your high school or college counselors. Keep in mind that in addition to the various specializations in fish and wildlife management, there are career opportunities in wildlife and resource education, as well as law enforcement. Competition is fierce in this field, so adding some related volunteer or summer work to your academic schedule could help you gain an edge when looking for a position.