Degree Programs

The MS degree is offered for students motivated toward a management or administrative career in natural resources.  The MS may be obtained through either a Plan A (research thesis) or Plan B (nonthesis) program.  The Plan A option requires a thesis based on original research conducted by the student.  From 6-15 semester credits of thesis research are required.  The semesters during which a student registers for thesis credit should correspond as closely as possible to the semesters in which the thesis work is done and faculty supervision is provided.  The Plan B option is recommended for professional wildlife managers who do not plan on research careers.  The Plan B option requires the production of a paper.  At least 2 credits of thesis research are required, but no more than 3 credits of thesis credit can be included on the Program of Study.  For a master’s degree, the minimum number of credits required is 30 semester credits.  At least 24 semester credits for a master’s degree must be from a committee-approved and an SGS-approved Program of Study from Utah State University.

With committee approval, graduate credits may be transferred from accredited graduate schools, provided the minimum residency requirement (including thesis and dissertation credit) at USU is met.  Only 12 semester credits may be transferred into a graduate program at USU.  Transfer credit, which must not have been used for any other degree, will be shown on official USU transcripts at completion of the degree.