Wildlife Ecology, M.S.

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison provides advanced training in wildlife ecology, emphasizing research and graduate training. Students customize their studies to their interests, with research opportunities in areas such as population dynamics, conservation biology, and human-wildlife interactions. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, government, non-profits, and industry as wildlife biologists, conservationists, and environmental consultants.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Science (M.S.) program in Wildlife Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison provides students with advanced education and training in various areas of wildlife ecology. The program follows the legacy of Aldo Leopold and places emphasis on research activities and graduate training.

Objectives:

• To develop a strong understanding of wildlife ecology and its principles.
• To provide students with in-depth knowledge in specific areas of wildlife ecology, including behavioral ecology, physiological ecology, population dynamics, wildlife disease, community ecology, landscape ecology, wildlife management, wildlife-habitat linkages, molecular ecology, human dimensions, species distribution modeling, climate change, endangered species recovery, conservation biology, toxicology, and wildlife damage management.
• To equip students with the skills necessary for conducting independent research and contributing to the field of wildlife ecology.

Outline:

The M.S. program in Wildlife Ecology offers a flexible and customizable curriculum that allows students to tailor their studies to their individual research interests.

Course Requirements:

• Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits to meet graduation requirements.
• Required coursework includes:
• Entrance seminar
• Coursework certification meeting and paperwork
• Exit seminar
• Defense of a thesis
• Students must take, for credit, all of the department's prerequisite courses that have not been completed prior to entering the program.
• Students must enroll in at least two graduate seminars.
• Students must take at least one graduate-level course in statistics.
• Remaining coursework will be determined in consultation with the student's graduate committee.

Research:

Students work closely with their major professors and an advisory committee to develop a research program that aligns with their interests and career goals. Research opportunities are available in a wide range of areas, including:

• Wildlife population dynamics
• Wildlife habitat management
• Conservation biology
• Wildlife disease ecology
• Human-wildlife interactions
• Climate change impacts on wildlife

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a combination of coursework, research, and oral presentations.

Coursework:

• Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00.
• Students must complete all required coursework with a grade of B or better.

Research:

• Students must present their research findings at a departmental seminar.
• Students must defend their thesis successfully.

Teaching:

The M.S. program in Wildlife Ecology is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are actively involved in research and professional practice. Faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, field exercises, and independent research projects.

Careers:

Graduates of the M.S. program in Wildlife Ecology are well-prepared for careers in academia, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private industry. Common career paths include:

• Wildlife biologist
• Conservation biologist
• Wildlife manager
• Environmental consultant
• Research scientist
• Educator