Fisheries Biology - MS

Program Contacts

Department Head: Christopher Keyes, 435-797-2254, chris.keyes@usu.edu
Graduate Program Coordinator: Stacey Brummer, 435-797-2503, stacey.brummer@usu.edu

Program Description

Students in the fisheries biology program study river, lake, and wetland ecosystems. The program highlights the ecology of freshwater systems, management of important fisheries, restoration of stream, riparian, and wetland areas, and the monitoring and protection of plant and animal populations in lakes and rivers.

Each student has an individualized plan of study created for them by their graduate committee, and students are able to take courses in other departments on campus, such as biology and civil and environmental engineering. This allows students to gain a broad education in areas related to fish populations and aquatic ecosystems.

Specializations are available in Conservation Biology and Fisheries Management as part of this degree.  For additional degree information, see the program page or the Department of Wildland Resources website.

Applying for graduate study in Watershed Sciences is a two-step process. We admit applicants to begin graduate study during Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters. Applications should be submitted by the following deadlines.

• Summer: March 15

• Fall: June 15

• Spring: October 15

Preference is given to applicants who apply before January 10. Fellowships for non-University funds, such as Quinney Fellowships, have different deadlines. Please see individual applications for deadlines.

1. Gain a faculty sponsor and funding

• Contact a faculty member you would like to work with directly. Students cannot be admitted to the program without first having a faculty sponsor and funding provided by their sponsor or an outside agency. In your email please explain why you are interested in working with your prospective mentor and discuss your qualifications for graduate study, including any undergraduate research. Be sure to also include your GPA. (Please note that the requirement to take the GRE has been removed.) To choose a prospective mentor, consult the list of faculty who have current active graduate programs.

2. Apply through the School of Graduate Studies

• Once you have secured a faculty sponsor and funding, you will be invited to officially apply through the School of Graduate Studies, send official transcripts, and pay the application fee.

Admission Requirements:

• GPA of 3.2 or higher

• Sponsorship by a faculty member (gaining a sponsorship usually requires correspondence directly with the faculty)

• A formal application

• A detailed statement outlining your objectives in graduate education, your future goals, and your specific area of research interest.