Wildlife and Fisheries Science, MS
The Master of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Science provides advanced education in the science and art of managing populations of wild animals. This broad degree allows graduates to specialize in various research areas, enabling them to make a difference in natural resources management.
Program Overview
This degree program encompasses coursework in biology, wildlife, fisheries, ecology, and natural resources in order to manage the population of wild animals and fish in the best interest of the species and the public. Housed within the School of Natural Resources, the opportunities are endless in this program.
Hands-on learning and fieldwork are what set this graduate program apart from many. Classes take place across campus and Tennessee to provide valuable experiences with industry professionals.
Concentrations
The Master of Science in Wildlife and Fisheries Science is a thesis-based degree track. Students can choose to pursue a general degree in wildlife and fisheries or declare a concentration in wildlife health.
The wildlife health concentration is ideal for students who want to pursue wildlife health-related service and research careers in the public and private sectors.
Why study Wildlife and Fisheries Science?
Learn Outdoors
In addition to regular coursework, students gain real-world experience through labs and hands-on learning opportunities. Labs in the wildlife and fisheries science program differ from most, taking place in multiple research units, state parks, and wildlife management areas.
Environmental Policy Minor
The Department of Political Science offers a graduate minor for select programs across campus. Wildlife and fisheries master’s students have the opportunity to gain knowledge in an interdisciplinary specialization in environmental policy.
Research
With over twenty-five specialized research areas in wildlife and fisheries science, students can develop personalized research projects for their master’s thesis. Research spans across the state and observes the beauty of the natural resources of Tennessee.
What can you do with a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science?
The wildlife and fisheries science degree prepares students for many careers in agriculture and natural resources. Graduates pursue careers as park rangers, game wardens, conservationists, wildlife biologists, and freshwater biologists. Graduates of this program are also competitive for placement in PhD school programs in wildlife, fisheries, and natural resources.
Featured Courses
WFS 501 – Ecology and Management of Wildlife Health
Review of ecological and environmental factors affecting wildlife health, and tools available for effective wildlife disease surveillance and management. Emphasis on the importance of multidisciplinary and interagency collaboration for the management of wildlife health problems. Build skills on grant proposal writing for a disease study that involves a team of experts as collaborators and includes a budget, Biosafety forms (if appropriate), and an IACUC proposal (if appropriate).
WFS 515 – Avian Ecology and Conservation
Readings and discussion based on current literature on contemporary topics in avian ecology and management. Additional credit awarded for writing a review paper on a contemporary topic of interest to the student.
WFS 531 – Wildlife Physiology and Nutrition
Introduction and overview of endocrine and physiological mechanisms regulating wild animal populations (primarily wild birds and mammals): the importance of wildlife physiology and nutrition in monitoring and managing wildlife
WFS 533 – Amphibian Ecology and Conservation
An in-depth examination of amphibian life-history strategies, community interactions, and hypothesized mechanisms of amphibian declines. Amphibian monitoring, conservation and management techniques also are covered.
Admissions and Aid
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