The right education is critical in biological fields and can provide a leg up on the competition. The best programs are designed to evolve alongside the field of wildlife sciences and produce graduates with the ability to meet the demands of potential employers. Wildlife agencies, especially those owned by state and federal governments, evaluate curricula as well as consider academic status. However, a problem arises due to the numerous sub-fields within wildlife biology, making it difficult to enforce a set benchmark amongst universities. A majority of degree programs cater to individual student desires while sacrificing consistency, many times at the cost of the student’s marketability (Bleich and Oehler 2000).
Fortunately, there are a variety of businesses and organizations determined to overcome this obstacle. In fact, The Wildlife Society, a popular organization for wildlife professionals, has raised the bar by formulating a set of strict curricular guidelines for students seeking a leg up on competition. Upon fulfillment individuals can become certified at various levels of wildlife biology. The peer-reviewed certificate program is completely voluntary but notifies employers that your education has met rigorous guidelines set forth by one of the top international societies for wildlife