May 09, 2024  
2024-2025 General Catalog 
  
2024-2025 General Catalog

Wildlife Biology - MS


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S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources

Department of Wildland Resources

Students in this program study the science and application of ecological principles in the management of wildlife populations. Examples of study areas include wildlife behavior, mammalogy, population dynamics, conservation biology, human-wildlife conflict, and wildlife ecology. The program is integrated with other natural resource programs in the college focusing on forestry, range, and ecology for a broad interdisciplinary experience.

The MS degree targets students motivated toward a management or administrative career in natural resources with an emphasis in wildlife biology. The Wildlife Biology MS degree may be obtained through either a Plan A (research thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis) program. 

Admission Requirements

To be accepted into the Wildlife Biology program, applicants need to find a departmental faculty member that agrees to serve as their major advisor. It is recommended that applicants first contact specific faculty members with whom they are interested in working.  If the faculty member is accepting graduate students and agrees to work with the student, the student can then apply by completing the following application requirements.

  • Official transcript indicating a bachelor’s degree in an accredited U.S. college or university or a similarly recognized international university. Students with undergraduate degrees in natural resources preferred.
  • GPA of 3.0 (calculated using all grades from last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits earned)
  • 3 letters of recommendation.
  • Statement of purpose
  • International students - proof of English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS)

Program Requirements

  • Must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA for degree-program courses. Grades of C- or lower will not be accepted for a graduate degree.
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation.
  • Credits in the following areas are not acceptable in a degree program: foreign languages (unless included in an approved Program of Study), continuing graduate advisement, individual home study, military science, and courses numbered below 3000.
  • A master’s degree must be completed within six years of entering the degree program. Additional time may be requested by the student’s committee and submitted to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for review.
  • Coursework over eight years old at the time of degree completion may not be used for a graduate degree unless it is revalidated.

Degree Programs


MS Plan A Thesis


  • The Plan A option requires the preparation and defense of a thesis and is best suited for students desiring research experience.

  • 30 required credit hours (minimum) including:
  • Approved supervisory committee
  • Completion of a supervisory committee approved 30 credit Program of Study
  • Approved thesis proposal
  • Successful defense of a thesis based on original research
  • Submission of thesis to the School of Graduate Studies and library for review and approval
  • Approval of academic forms required by the School of Graduate Studies
    • Supervisory committee approval form
    • Program of Study form
    • Master’s Thesis Proposal/Project Approval form
    • Appointment for Examination
    • Record of Examination
  • Completion of required trainings

MS Plan B Non-Thesis


  • The Plan B option requires the preparation and defense of a paper and is best suited for Wildlife Professionals not pursuing a research career path.

  • 30 required credit hours (minimum) including:
  • Approved supervisory committee
  • Completion of committee and School of Graduate Studies approved 30 credit Program of Study
  • Approved proposal for project/paper
  • Production of a project/paper
  • Submission of project/paper to the School of Graduate Studies and library for review and approval
  • Approval of academic forms required by the School of Graduate Studies
    • Supervisory committee approval form
    • Program of Study form
    • Master’s Thesis/Project Approval form
    • Appointment for Examination
    • Record of Examination
  • Completion of required trainings

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