Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences (Ph.D.)

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 Ph.D. degree program in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences is intended to educate students for upper-level management, research and administrative positions with state and federal agencies, private companies, and academic institutions. 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.

Certification and Licensure

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.