Interpretive Biology & Natural History

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Help the public connect with the natural world through education.

Develop the skills you need to acquaint the public with the mysteries and majesty of the great outdoors.

As an Interpretive Biology and Natural History graduate you'll become an ambassadors for the natural world, increasing people’s appreciation for nature’s fragility and ultimately encouraging a desire for a more earth-friendly, sustainable lifestyle.

  • Explore a variety of biology disciplines including zoology and botany.
  • Prepare for a rewarding career working in informal educational settings, such as national and state parks, government agencies, zoos, nature centers and environmental education centers.
  • Complete this degree with a total of 61 credit hours including 35 in biology and 26 in related

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Interpretive Biology and Natural History Program Highlights

  • Take part in Project Learning Tree through the U.S. Forest Service and become a certified instructor, learning to relate to audiences of different ages.

  •  Increase your understanding of flora and fauna and your communication skills so you can present scientific information as well as folklore in a way that is interesting and memorable to audiences.

  • Complete a capstone internship working with a federal, state or private agency or in an industry related to your individual area of interest in biology.

  • Be trained by the renowned National Association for Interpretation, the organization that has trained hundreds of professionals who work in natural history and interpretation for zoos.

  •   Join the Wildlife Society on the FSU campus to discuss timely wildlife-related topics and the latest techniques for exploring nature and successfully working with animals.

What can I do with an Interpretive Biology and Natural History degree?

$63,750

Median pay for conservation scientist (BLS 2021)

Related Programs

Conservation Scientist 

Interpretive Guide

Environmental Scientist

Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes no statistics for careers as an interpretive guide, it states that conservation scientists, a related field, can anticipate growth of 3 percent in job openings through 2022. For more information about state and federal guide opportunities in parks, forests and government sponsored exhibits, check the national park service website and respective state government employment websites.

What You'll Learn

  • Explore behavior of animals from an evolutionary approach
  • Study the biology of animals and the evolution of animal diversity
  • Explore ecological interactions among animals and their physicochemical and biological environments
  • Delve into botanical concepts and principles about algae and land plants

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