Master of Science in Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences

The Master of Science degree is a research-oriented degree, designed to prepare the graduate to enter a position in research or research and management, for example as an agency wildlife biologist. The Master of Science degree also is pursued in preparation for subsequent study at the Ph.D. level. The candidate will be expected to undertake independent research and submit a thesis in partial fulfillment of degree requirements. REQUIREMENTS: A Plan of Work must consist of a minimum of 30 hours to include the following:

• 20 of the 30 hours must be 500-800 level courses
• 6 hours of research (FOR695; ZO695) are to be included in the 30 hour minimum
• No more than 2 hours, or less than 1 hour, of seminar hours are to be included on the Plan of Work. Seminar courses do not need to be FW courses
• No more than one 400 level course may be included in the 30 hour minimum, and that cannot be a FW course
• At least 9 credit hours on the Plan of Work are to be taken to meet a specific or interdisciplinary minor. The interdisciplinary minor includes at least three courses from outside the student's major department or program and courses from two or more areas.
• Since there are no 600 level FW courses, there is no 600 level course requirement

All students will present a final seminar summarizing the thesis research, either in conjunction with the Final Exam or at a programmatic seminar. If given in conjunction with the Final Exam, the seminar will be open to all faculty, graduate students and guests.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• While teaching experience for graduate students at the Masters level is considered valuable and is encouraged, any requirement for teaching experience is at the discretion of the a advisory committee.
• Each student is encouraged to carry the research results to publication, both in the scientific literature and in popular outlets.
• Any requirement for proficiency in a foreign language is at the discretion of the advisory committee.