Wildlife Biology - MS

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 (paper/project) program. The MS Plan A requires the preparation and defense of a thesis and is best suited for students desiring research experience. The Plan B option requires the preparation and defense of a paper/project and is best suited for Wildlife Professionals not pursuing a research career path.

 

Admission into the Wildlife Biology MS Program

To be accepted into the Wildlife Biology program, all prospective students need to find a Wildland Resources 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 for admission to Utah State University’s School of Graduate Studies. Please see section A. of the School of Graduate Studies  catalog pages for admission requirements. 

Degree Requirements

To be awarded an MS Wildlife Biology, students must complete the following Wildland Resources Department and School of Graduate Studies requirements.  

• Completion of 30 required credit hours. Please see specific course requirements under MS Plan A and MS Plan B below.
• Successful defense of a Plan A research thesis or a Plan B paper/project.
• Submission of a Plan A research thesis or a Plan B paper/project to the School of Graduate Studies and library for review and approval.
• Completion of academic forms required by Wildland Resources & School of Graduate Studies.
  • Supervisory Committee Approval form
  • Program of Study form
  • Master’s Thesis Proposal/Project Approval form
• Completion of academic forms required by the School of Graduate Studies.
  • Appointment for Examination
  • Graduation Check form
  • Application for Graduation
• Completion of all School of Graduate Studies required trainings.
• 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.
• 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.