Fish & Wildlife Management - Montana State U

Tuition Fee

Start Date

Medium of studying

Duration

Program Facts

Program Details

Degree

Masters

Major

Fisheries Management | Wildlife Management

Area of study

Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries

Course Language

English

About Program

Program Overview

Montana State University's Master of Science in Fish & Wildlife Management program prepares students for careers in natural resource management. The program emphasizes practical knowledge and field-based experiences, with a focus on the ecology and management of diverse species within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Students benefit from unparalleled research facilities and resources, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Fish Technology Center, and work alongside leading scholars in the field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

Objectives:

To train students in the fundamental concepts and principles of fish and wildlife management.
To provide students with the skills necessary to conduct scientific research on fish and wildlife populations.
To prepare students for a career in the public sector, private sector, or academia in the field of fish and wildlife management.

Program Description:

The Fish & Wildlife Management M.S. program at Montana State University is one of the oldest and most successful resource management programs in the United States, with a tradition of excellence and award-winning researchers. Students work alongside leading scholars at the Department of Ecology and the Montana Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, benefitting from unparalleled research facilities and resources, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Fish Technology Center, which provides hands-on experience in artificial waterway design for species passage.

Outline:

Program Content:

The Fish & Wildlife Management M.S. program encompasses a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of natural resource management and applied biology. Students delve into the study of ecology, conservation biology, quantitative methods for research design and analysis, population genetics and dynamics, habitat management, sustainable practices for land use and water resources, wildlife health and disease management, fisheries management, and environmental decision-making.

Structure:

The M.S. program is typically completed within 2-3 years and includes coursework, a research thesis, and comprehensive examinations. Students complete required foundational courses, select electives to specialize their studies, participate in seminars and colloquia to foster knowledge-sharing and professional development, and engage in fieldwork to acquire practical experience in various research and management techniques.

Individual Modules with Description:

The curriculum includes a series of comprehensive modules that offer a deep dive into specialized fields of study, providing students with a broad understanding and in-depth knowledge base for fish and wildlife management. Some key modules within the curriculum include:

Ecosystem Ecology:

This module focuses on understanding the dynamic interrelationships within natural ecosystems, examining ecological concepts such as population ecology, community interactions, ecosystem functioning, and the application of these principles for habitat assessment and conservation strategies.

Conservation Biology:

This module explores the principles and practices of conservation biology, with a focus on the preservation of biodiversity and the conservation of threatened and endangered species. Concepts such as population viability, conservation genetics, habitat connectivity, and adaptive management strategies are examined.

Research Methods:

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to scientific inquiry and research methodologies, encompassing experimental design, data analysis, statistical modeling, and the principles of scientific writing.

Population Dynamics:

This module delves into the study of animal populations, covering concepts such as population growth, regulation, carrying capacity, dynamics of predator-prey interactions, and population modeling for sustainable resource management practices.

Habitat Management:

This module explores the principles and practices of habitat management for diverse species within various ecosystems. It emphasizes habitat restoration and rehabilitation, techniques for improving and maintaining habitat quality, and the role of wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity for conservation efforts.

Fisheries Management:

This module focuses on understanding the ecology and management of fisheries, including topics like population dynamics, harvest strategies, fisheries regulations, aquaculture principles, and the assessment and conservation of aquatic ecosystems.

Wildlife Management:

This module emphasizes the management of wildlife populations, addressing concepts such as population dynamics, modeling and analysis of species abundance and distribution, and management interventions and strategies for long-term sustainability.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

Students in the Fish & Wildlife Management M.S. program are evaluated through various assessment methods to demonstrate their understanding and competence in the field. These include:

Coursework and Assignments:

Students engage in coursework, quizzes, exams, and presentations throughout their program to showcase their grasp of course material and critical thinking abilities in various formats.

Fieldwork Assessments:

Fieldwork plays a significant role in program evaluation, and students participate in research projects, surveys, or field experiments, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, analyze results, and present their findings.

Research Thesis and Defense:

The M.S. program culminates in a comprehensive research thesis that showcases the student's ability to conduct and present original research in fish and wildlife management.

Comprehensive Examinations:

In addition to coursework, fieldwork, and the thesis, students must undergo written and oral comprehensive examinations to demonstrate their overall grasp of the program's core content.

Assessment Criteria:

Assessments within the program are designed to measure students' abilities to:

Grasp and Apply Knowledge:

Evaluate students' comprehension and application of fundamental principles, concepts, theories, and techniques from across the disciplines in fish and wildlife management.

Conduct Research:

Measure students' abilities to plan, conduct, analyze, interpret, and report on their own research investigations in the field of fish and wildlife management.

Develop Analytical Skills:

Assess students' capabilities in critically thinking, data interpretation, problem-solving, and developing innovative approaches for research questions within fish and wildlife management contexts.

Communicate Effectively:

Evaluate students' communication abilities both orally and in writing to express their ideas, present research findings, and effectively convey information in professional settings related to fish and wildlife management.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The Fish & Wildlife Management M.S. program at Montana State University incorporates a diverse range of teaching methods to enhance learning. These include:

Interactive Lectures:

Faculty members deliver lectures to introduce course material, engage students, and foster interactive discussions, promoting understanding through direct engagement.

Field Exercises:

Practical, hands-on field exercises are designed to provide experiential learning opportunities, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, conduct research, gather data, and analyze their findings in authentic research environments.

Laboratory Experiments:

Well-designed laboratory experiments supplement field-based learning by allowing students to test hypotheses, manipulate variables, and collect controlled data under experimental conditions.

Seminars and Discussions:

Seminars and discussion-based classes provide platforms for student presentations, group projects, case study analyses, peer feedback, and in-depth exploration of current research, promoting collaborative learning.

Independent Research:

Supervised research projects offer an immersive environment where students engage in original research under the mentorship of experienced faculty, fostering critical thinking, scientific discovery, and problem-solving skills.

Guest Speakers:

Industry professionals, leading researchers, and conservation practitioners are invited as guest lecturers to share their insights, experiences, and cutting-edge knowledge to broaden perspectives and connect theoretical learning with practical implications in fish and wildlife management.

Faculty:

The program draws on a team of experienced and award-winning faculty who bring diverse expertise to the table. They engage in collaborative research projects, actively contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in their fields, and are highly dedicated to providing students with personalized mentorship, guidance in developing research questions, and support as they conduct their research.

Unique Approaches:

Incorporation of Technology and GIS:

Students gain practical skills in utilizing geospatial technology, GIS software, GPS mapping, and modeling tools, equipping them for effective decision-making, habitat analysis, resource assessments, and wildlife movement studies.

Interdisciplinary Perspective:

The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, recognizing that fish and wildlife management encompass diverse fields such as biology, ecology, conservation, environmental science, and spatial modeling.

Integration of Research and Practice:

The curriculum seamlessly blends theoretical foundations with hands-on experiences through collaborative projects with government agencies, non-governmental organizations