Wildlife Ecology (MS)

Students who successfully complete the Wildlife Ecology MS program will be able to:

1. Write and present a research proposal addressing a question or problem in Wildlife Ecology.

2. Demonstrate breadth and depth of knowledge in the biology, taxonomy, ecology, and evolution of wildlife, statistical approaches in wildlife ecology, and advanced knowledge in the student’s area of specialization.

3. Conduct, analyze, write, and present the results of their wildlife ecology research at a level consistent with that seen at professional wildlife conferences and in peer-reviewed wildlife journals.

Program Policy Document:

Please see the Program Policy Document for more information.

Master of Science Degree Requirements

General requirements for both MS majors are: (1) completion of at least 30 graduate credit hours, including a thesis describing independent research (six credit hours); (2) passing an oral, general knowledge examination centering on the student’s program of study; (3) presenting the thesis research in a formal departmental seminar; and (4) passing a thesis defense. Students in the Entomology major also must pass an Insect Family Recognition Test.

Master of Science Degree Requirements:

General requirements for both MS majors are: (1) completion of at least 30 graduate credit hours, including a thesis describing independent research (six credit hours) (2) presenting the thesis research in a formal departmental seminar; and (3) passing a thesis defense. Students in the Entomology major also must pass an Insect Family Recognition Test if they receive below a B in ENWC 406 Insect Taxonomy.

Core MS Degree Courses for Both Majors

ENWC 617 - Introduction to Quantitative Ecology Credit(s): 3
ENWC 814 - Advanced Ecology Credit(s): 3
ENWC 870 - Graduate Research Seminar Credit(s): 0
ENWC 869 - Master’s Thesis Credit(s): 1-6 (6 credits)
A graduate-level statistics course (3 credits)

Wildlife Ecology Major

Two of the following:

ENWC 615 - Wildlife Techniques Credit(s): 3
ENWC 618 - Ornithology Credit(s): 3
ENWC 620 - Behavioral Ecology Credit(s): 3
ENWC 624 - Herpetology Credit(s): 3
ENWC 625 - Mammalogy Credit(s): 3
ENWC 635 - Population Ecology Credit(s): 3

Additional Coursework

Additonal Coursework:

Students must earn additional graduate credit hours appropriate to the major to bring the total earned to at least 30 credits. A maximum of six credits in ENWC 666 , ENWC 866 , and ENWC 868 and six credits of ENWC 869 can be applied to the degree.