Walters State Offers Wildlife and Fisheries Program

Walters State Natural Science faculty members examine the macroinvertebrates on a leaf. These are small organisms without a backbone often found in aquatic areas. Their presence can help scientists analyze the health of an ecosystem. From left are Dr. Elesha Goodfriend, associate professor of biology; Dr. Matthew Smith, dean of the Division of Natural Science and professor of chemistry, Dr. Abigail Goosie, department head and professor of biology; and Kelly Moore-Roberts, associate professor of biology.

Program Starts Fall Semester

A new articulation agreement between Walters State Community College and the University of Tennessee brings a career in the wild closer for area students.

Walters State students may may now complete the first two years of a wildlife and fisheries science degree and transfer directly into the bachelor’s degree program at the University of Tennessee. 

“Many of our students have expressed an interest in this program,” said Dr. Matthew Smith, dean of the Division of Natural Sciences at Walters State.  “Students have previously earned an associate of science, transferred to the University of Tennessee, and then taken core classes. Now, they can take those core classes here and transfer directly into the program."

At Walters State, students will earn an associate of science in general studies with the new biology classes included. Once at UT, students can choose from concentrations in fisheries management or wildlife management.

Smith said the degrees prepare graduates to work for many local agencies including the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

To establish this agreement, Walters State added four classes to its catalog: forestry, wildlife and fisheries, ecology with lab, conservation, and dendrology, which is the study of trees. Other related classes include biology, chemistry and soil science. The program also includes required general education courses including world history, communication and English composition.

“We purchased field equipment, including waders and nets for students to use while gathering data or conducting experiments in the outdoors,” Smith said.

Smith said the Division of Natural Science also purchased its first classroom field and stream simulator, which allows students to see how stream dynamics, water quality and biodiversity change under preset conditions. Students can analyze data, propose solutions and evaluate the outcomes of those solutions while in the classroom.

The program officially starts with fall semester. Twelve students are currently enrolled. 

For more information about the program, contact the Division of Natural Science at 423-585-6865.