Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, MO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $36,758/yr (23% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Small (4,000 openings/yr)
ROI 11.3x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 of 37 Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

While many wildlife programs are theoretical, Northwest Missouri State’s strength comes from its location and hands-on philosophy. Situated in a prime agricultural and conservation region, you’ll gain practical field experience that employers like the Missouri Department of Conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service value highly. This isn't just about classroom learning; it's about applying ecological principles to real-world land management challenges, from prairies to wetlands. The program has built a strong regional reputation, creating a direct pipeline to state and federal agencies who trust its graduates to be work-ready. To maximize your prospects, aggressively pursue internships with these agencies during your summers—that experience, combined with this degree, is what secures those coveted full-time biologist and conservation scientist roles after graduation.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $456K $460K $438K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.2x 11.3x 10.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.9x 6.9x 6.6x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 44% 33%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,724
Out-of-state: $66,492 (6.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,296
-46% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,041
12% growth from Year 1

About Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University accepts 86% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 4,550 in Maryville, MO.

See all programs and financial aid at Northwest Missouri State University →

Top Career Paths

Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830/yr
Zoologists and wildlife biologists $72,860/yr
Conservation scientists $67,950/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northwest Missouri State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northwest Missouri State University's Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management program score?
This program scores 30/100 — on the lower end for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →