We have relatively good placement data that the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences gathers; however, undergraduates are very difficult to follow in their first few years after graduation. Some are very good about informing us of what they are doing, others are not. The below table depicts what we know about the first-year placement of our undergraduate Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences majors for academic years 1996-1997 to 2005-2006.  

Employment refers to positions that require a wildlife and fisheries education background. Fifty percent of those located obtained state or federal government employment. Approximately 24% continued their education, usually in graduate school. Approximately 7% went into private employment in wildlife and fisheries related positions. These positions involve tribal governments, consulting firms, and other types of positions. Nineteen percent could not be located that first year or were not working the field and are listed as unknown or not working in the field. Students who are unknown or not working in the field often later obtain a position in natural resources.

There is a definite recent trend (last 7 or 8 years) for greater numbers of our students to obtain permanent employment soon after graduation. Previously a much higher percentage started in temporary positions. We expect the market for graduates of the undergraduate program to continue to increase in strength. Many state and federal agencies will be turning over large percentages of their staffs (some up to 50%) because of retirements in the next 10 years.

Students and parents often inquire about starting salary levels for Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences majors. Average starting salaries are very difficult to determine because there is a wide disparity among states, many different types of positions, and numerous other aspects that impact beginning salaries. For example, starting salaries are higher in a Missouri state agency than for a similar position with a South Dakota state agency, while a position in Minnesota is usually more highly paid than a similar position in Missouri. Each state has its own salary schedule for particular positions and differences can be significant.

As a general guideline for starting salaries one can review the first column of current salaries for federal employees. The U. S. Office of Personnel Management annually updates their GS (General Schedule) for federal salaries.

Most B.S. Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences graduates who obtain federal employment start at either GS-5 or GS-7. Most M.S. students start at GS-9. Most Ph.D. students start at GS-11 or GS-12. Each federal job announcement lists the GS level for that position.

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