Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences

Program Description

The Department of Natural Resource Management offers several graduate programs including the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. SDSU has an extensive graduate program in wildlife and fisheries sciences. The Department is home to the South Dakota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, which is staffed by three scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey.

The M.S. degree program is intended to educate students for management-level positions with state and federal agencies, private companies, and for the pursuit of higher academic degrees. By using specifically identified coursework and mentoring, we strive to assist students in developing their intellectual capabilities in working with natural resources and people. In addition, each student must propose and conduct an original scientific investigation. Placement of M.S. graduates into positions as fisheries biologists, wildlife biologists, and other natural resource positions with state and federal agencies is extremely high.

The Ph.D. degree program is intended to educate students for upper-level management, research and administrative positions with state and federal agencies, and private companies. Academic career opportunities also exist for Ph.D. graduates in all the Departmental disciplines, preparing students for the responsibilities of teaching, research, and service, required for faculty positions with universities and colleges. By building on the educational foundation that students obtain from B.S. and M.S. degree work, we endeavor to raise them to a higher intellectual plateau. While coursework is involved, this educational experience is primarily based on research and mentoring. This degree requires original thought and research contributions, synthesis and development of information, and contributions to the world and its natural resources.

Student Learning Outcomes 

1. Be knowledgeable regarding biological systems at a level appropriate to an M.S./Ph.D. degree holder.
2. Be able to effectively express themselves orally and in written form.
3. Understand the scientific method of solving problems.
4. Be computer and statistically capable.
5. Be specialized in some area of wildlife or fisheries, but still be broadly based in knowledge.
6. Be able to conduct scholarly research.
7. Understand the relationships between biological information and socioeconomic factors.
8. Demonstrate professional development, especially in regard to the need for continued learning after their degree program.
9. Develop a concern and feeling for the natural resources of the world.