Wildlife Biology and Conservation
Why Study Wildlife Biology and Conservation at U of G?
Building on the University of Guelph’s long-standing reputation in the areas of biology and natural resource management, Wildlife Biology and Conservation is the only major in Canada that fully integrates ecology, evolution, and conservation into a four-year degree.
You’ll explore the biology, ecology and management of terrestrial wildlife, from large mammals to birds, and the important role of conservation in a rapidly changing world.
After building a foundation in the biological sciences, you’ll have the flexibility in your upper years to focus your courses on some or all of the program’s three themes: ecology, evolution and conservation.
Protecting Biodiversity
With a strong foundation in the origins, interactions, and conservation of biological diversity, including the role of policy, socioeconomic factors, and public opinion, you’ll be equipped to understand and address the pressing challenges facing wildlife and their habitats through best practices in management and conservation.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Take your studies beyond the classroom through field courses to places like Algonquin Provincial Park, state-of-the-art facilities, including the on-campus Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, and the University’s own 400-acre Arboretum. In your fourth year, you can pursue your own research questions through an independent research course.
Your Path in Wildlife Conservation
With flexibility in upper years, you can choose to focus your studies in ecology, evolution, conservation – or all three. Wildlife Biology and Conservation graduates have found fulfilling careers in conservation biology, wildlife management, ecological consulting, research, government, and industry.
To see all courses offered in the Wildlife Biology and Conservation program, visit our Academic Calendar.
Events and Webinars Available Now
Future Gryphon Webinar Series
Canadian high school students are invited to connect with Admission Services through several virtual events this winter. Register today to learn more about campus, scholarships, tuition, housing and more!
International Virtual Open House
Prospective international students and their families are invited to explore our International Virtual Open House! Watch the recordings to learn more about programs, scholarships and life in Canada, plus hear current students and admission experts.
- Top Comprehensive University
- in Canada (Maclean’s)
- Top 150 in the World
- for Life Sciences (Times Higher Education 2026)
- Top 20% in the World
- for Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
- Top 4 in Canada
- for Wildlife and Fisheries Management and Conservation (EduRank 2025)
Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op
The Wildlife Biology and Conservation co-op is a five-year program that includes four paid work terms. Apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to the real world, with hands-on work experiences available in private, non-profit, and governmental organizations. Benefits of co-op include:
- Relevant work experience
- Up to 16 months of work experience
- Earning while learning
- Career exploration
- Professional networking
Students can apply for the co-op program directly from high school or later for in-course admission. Learn more about the Wildlife Biology and Conservation co-op.
Careers in Wildlife Biology and Conservation
The program prepares students for careers in resource management, conservation, ecological consulting, teaching, and government service, as well as post-graduate work in ecology, evolutionary biology, environmental sciences, or wildlife management.
With their practical experience gained in lab, field and research courses, combined with knowledge of strategies for conservation, management and policy, our graduates land exciting positions across private and public sectors.
Here are a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:
- Wildlife Biologist
- Conservation Officer
- Research Technician
- Wildlife Educator and Interpreter
- Park Ranger
- Science Writer
- Bioinformatics Coordinator
- Ecological consultant
Hear From a Wildlife Biology and Conservation Student and Graduate
In my co-op work term at the Toronto Zoo, I’ve gained so much experience working with kids and learning how to cater to their demographic in ways that make conservation fun and interactive. I’ve also learned so much about the Toronto Zoo’s conservation initiatives and how anyone and everyone can help our beloved plant and animal species.
The Wildlife Biology and Conservation program is super unique and I’ve loved every part of it. In my first and second years, I was able to learn a little bit about each discipline the program covers: ecology, evolution, and conservation. I was most interested in ecology and conservation, so having the flexibility in my upper years to cater my program and electives to my interests was really cool and beneficial to my learning. The program definitely helped shape my career choices, as well as my personal and academic growth.
Discover More Options
Students considering the Wildlife Biology and Conservation program may also be interested in Ecology, Marine and Freshwater Biology, Zoology, or other majors.
Admission Requirements
Explore admission requirements for Canadian, international, transfer, and mature students. Start your journey today!
Scholarships & Bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial aid programs to assist with funding your education at the University of Guelph.
Tour Our Campus
Through virtual tours, presentations, webinars and in-person tours, get familiar with the University of Guelph campus.
Have Questions?
Learn more about how to connect, discover, and engage with programs, facilities and life at the University of Guelph.