Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Certificate

Northern Arizona University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 23,041 in Flagstaff, AZ.

Program Analysis

At $32,402/yr, Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduates from Northern Arizona University land near the $32,058 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The 39.5x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI exposure is significant at 48% of job tasks, producing a 36% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

The $20,368 debt-to-$32,402 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

With only 3 programs offering Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management nationally, this is a niche field. Northern Arizona University ranks #2 among them.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $32,402 to $48,382 shows 49% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

One registered apprenticeship pathway (Soil Conservation Technician with a median wage of $67,950/yr) connects to Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management careers, offering a paid training alternative to the classroom model.

43 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
36
Low End
43
Score
46
High End
Earnings $32,402/yr (1% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (52% shielded)
Job Market Small (4,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$530K
10.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
41.9x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
3 of 3
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$12,652
Out-of-state: $28,900
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,368
7.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,382
49% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary $100,830 +4.0% 52%
Zoologists and wildlife biologists $72,860 +1.6% 55%
Conservation scientists $67,950 +3.4% 48%
Forestry and conservation science teachers, postsecondary
$100,830
+4.0% growth 52% AI-proof
Zoologists and wildlife biologists
$72,860
+1.6% growth 55% AI-proof
Conservation scientists
$67,950
+3.4% growth 48% AI-proof

About Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Careers

Your career begins with your boots on the ground. As an entry-level technician, you’ll spend your days in forests, wetlands, and rangelands, tracking animal populations with GPS collars and remote cameras, collecting biological samples, and surveying vegetation. You'll work directly under senior biologists and scientists, learning the practical skills of fieldwork in all weather conditions.

Read the full Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management career guide →

Compare & Explore

Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management Overview

Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northern Arizona University

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 43/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management at Northern Arizona University?
At 43/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management?
AI won't 'replace' Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management careers outright, but it is likely to reduce job openings. We model 48% task exposure, which compresses employment probability in our scenarios.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →