2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Nov 23, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences (M.S.) - Fisheries Sciences Specialization

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus


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Program Coordinator/Contact

Michele Dudash, Department Head and Professor
Department of Natural Resource Management
Edgar S. McFadden Biostress Laboratory 138, Box 2140B
605-688-6121

Program Information

The Department of Natural Resource Management offers graduate programs in both Biological Science with a Specialization in Natural Resource Management and Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. Both degree programs award M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.

Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences

The M.S. degree program in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences 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 rates for M.S. graduates into positions as fisheries biologists, wildlife biologists, and other natural resource positions with state and federal agencies is extremely high.

Accreditation, Licensure, and Certification

Certification

Certification is available through the American Fisheries Society and The Wildlife Society.

Course Delivery Format

The Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences graduate program is primarily an on-campus program. However, field research may require extended time periods away from campus.

Student Learning Outcomes


  • Demonstrate knowledge of the basic and applied aspects of natural resources as appropriate to a M.S. degree holder. 
  • Demonstrate the ability to design and implement a research or management program based in the scientific method. 
  • Demonstrate capability in data processing, analysis, and interpretation to draw conclusions from data. 
  • Effectively express themselves orally and in written form. 
  • Demonstrate professional development, especially in regard to the need for continued learning after their degree program. 

Available Options for Graduate Degrees


Master of Science Thesis 30 Credit Hours

Core Requirements


Total Required Credits: 30 (Thesis)


Additional Admission Requirements


GRE: Not Required
TOEFL: 71 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
IELTS: 6.0
Duolingo: 100

Admission to all degree programs requires that a faculty member from the department agrees to serve as the major advisor.

General Requirements


Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .