Alison Kennedy, a wildland ecology and management major at Utah State University Eastern, spent four months working as a firefighter type 2 to gain practical experience in the field, according to a report from the university on Nov. 12, 2026.
Hands-on Field Training
The experience provided the student with direct engagement in land and environment management, a core component of the wildlife ecology and management curriculum. This academic program is part of the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources at Utah State University.
Academic Focus and Curriculum
The wildlife ecology and management major focuses on the ecology, behavior, conservation, and management of wildlife populations and communities within terrestrial ecosystems. Students engage in the analysis, management, conservation, and restoration of forests, rangeland ecosystems, and their associated wildlife populations.
Current Resource Issues
The curriculum includes the study of biology, ecology, chemistry, and math, as well as plant and animal ecology, rangeland ecosystems, and methods for measuring and managing vegetation. The department maintains a specific focus on contemporary issues in natural resources, such as climate change, endangered species, the restoration of sagebrush steppe systems, and human-wildlife conflict.
Specialized Resource Education
Utah State University is the only institution in the state with a college dedicated to the study of natural resources. Students in the wildlife ecology and management major have the opportunity to study under nationally renowned faculty and participate in hands-on field work and research experience.
Campus Locations
The program is offered at various Utah State University locations, including the Logan campus as well as statewide campuses in Price, Roosevelt, and Vernal. The USU Eastern campus is specifically noted as a location for the program.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the wildlife ecology and management program may pursue various careers, including wildlife biologists, conservation officers for state and federal agencies, and ecological assistants. Potential employers include the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as well as environmental consulting firms and nonprofit organizations.
Admission Requirements
The degree program requires specific admission criteria. First-year students who are admitted to the university in good standing qualify for admission to the major. Transfer students from other institutions or other USU majors must maintain a 2.5 total GPA to be admitted to the program.
