Curriculum
The coursework in Oregon State's online fisheries and wildlife sciences bachelor's program will prompt you to get outside, conduct assignments in the field, gain work experience and, in some cases, conduct independent research projects. The core courses will help you acquire the educational foundation of fish and wildlife conservation.

Andrea Fuchs thought she'd never realize her dream of working with animals because she struggled in math and science. After enrolling online in the F&W program, her dream became a reality. Learn more »
Degree requirements
A minimum of 180 quarter credits — including at least 60 upper-division credits — are required to complete your fisheries and wildlife sciences degree. Major requirements and curriculum information are available on Oregon State's academic catalog.
Additional curriculum details can be found on the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife's website.
For more information about OSU's baccalaureate core, please visit our bacc core details page.
(Note: You are unable to dual or double-major in zoology while pursuing a fisheries and wildlife degree.)
Specialization options
In consultation with program faculty, you will design your own course of study that aligns with your career and life goals. Example specializations include large mammal ecology, conservation biology and ecosystem management. Learn more and download documents related to the specializations on the department's website.
Sample course topics
- Ecology
- Career skills in fisheries and wildlife
- Principles of fish and wildlife conservation
- Population dynamics
- Field sampling of fish and wildlife
- Applied community and ecosystem ecology
- Biology and conservation of marine mammals
- Animal genetics
- Vertebrate physiology
- Aquatic biological invasions
- Avian conservation and management
Award-winning online education
In 2019, OSU’s fisheries and wildlife sciences bachelor’s program won the Online Learning Consortium’s John R. Bourne Outstanding Online Program Award – one of the most prestigious awards given in the field of online learning – for its track record of student success and faculty satisfaction. Learn more »
Additional program features
Internships
In order to graduate, students in the program are required to complete two internship courses: an exploratory internship for 1 credit and intensive internship for 3 credits. Learn more about this requirement »
Compare fisheries and wildlife to other OSU online programs
Want to know how the fisheries and wildlife sciences degree compares to the online degrees in environmental sciences or natural resources? Check out our degree comparison tool.
Transfer credits
Some degree requirements may be transferred from other institutions. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 credits in this degree program must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement.
Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admittance to OSU for appropriate articulation. Find more information about transferring credits using the Office of Admissions’ single-course search tool.
Add a minor
As an OSU Ecampus student, you can add a minor to your degree program. OSU offers a diverse selection of minors online. Combine fisheries and wildlife with a minor in business or geography to create an even more powerful résumé fit for today's job market.
Notice: Oregon State University students may now take part in internships anywhere in the United States. Read more about Ecampus’ authorization to operate in your state.
Important dates
See our academic calendar for our full quarter term schedule.
Degree details
* Oregon State University is on a quarter-term system. There are four quarters each year and classes are 11 weeks long. This program's 180 quarter credits are equal to 120 semester credits.
† Cost per credit is calculated using tuition per credit for the current academic year. It does not include associated fees, course materials, textbook expenses, and other expenses related to courses.
‡ You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online. View the curriculum.
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