Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences (Ph.D.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Instructor and student looking at data on a computer screen.

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.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy

60 Credit Plan
90 Credit Plan

Core Requirements

60 Credit Plan

GSR 601 - Research Regulations Compliance Credits: 1
NRM 582 - Natural Resource Management Biometry Credits: 2
or WL 720 - Quantitative Fisheries Science Credits: 3
or STAT course numbered 500-level or higher
or an additional course approved by committee
NRM 790 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1 (2 credits required)
WL 898D - Dissertation (COM) Credits: 1-12 (30-40 credits required)
Additional course credits designed to meet individual interests and needs as required by the student’s Advisory Committee. Credits: 14-24

90 Credit Plan

GSR 601 - Research Regulations Compliance Credits: 1
NRM 582 - Natural Resource Management Biometry Credits: 2
or WL 720 - Quantitative Fisheries Science Credits: 3
or STAT course numbered 500-level or higher
or an additional course approved by committee
NRM 790 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1 (2 credits required)
WL 898D - Dissertation (COM) Credits: 1-12 (40-50 credits required)
Additional course credits designed to meet individual interests and needs as required by the student’s Advisory Committee. Credits: 33-44

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not Required
TOEFL iBT: 4
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 must consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements .