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Fisheries and Wildlife (Master's) at Michigan State University

Michigan State University, United States

Programme overview

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife offers a Master of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife with a thesis (Plan A) or non-thesis (Plan B) option. Programmes prepare students in an area of specialisation within fisheries and wildlife, with broad preparation in related areas. Graduate specialisations and dual degrees are available in integrative toxicology, resource economics, quantitative biology, and ecology, evolutionary biology and behavior.

Faculty: College of Agriculture and Natural Resources  |  Department: Department of Fisheries and Wildlife  |  Duration: 30 credits  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: East Lansing, MI, United States

What you will study

Students complete 30 credits under Plan A or Plan B, planned with the major professor, including FW 894 and courses related to one or more areas of specialisation. Students carry out a departmentally approved outreach experience or take FW 895, and the programme is approved by a guidance committee of at least three members.

Career pathways

Graduates of the master's programme are hired by local, state and federal government agencies, private corporations, museums, zoos and nature centers, tribal organizations and environmental consulting firms, in research, management, teaching, extension and consulting roles.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A completed bachelor's degree with an undergraduate major in a biological or other appropriate science and coursework supporting the graduate programme (students lacking courses may be admitted provisionally). Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in the last two years of undergraduate study and in any prior graduate work; provisional admission may be considered for GPAs of 2.75-3.0 in unusual circumstances, and applicants below 2.75 are not considered. GRE General Test scores are required (per the Academic Programs Catalog). Applications are evaluated on transcripts, letters of reference, examination scores and a statement of purpose. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency under MSU graduate requirements. Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty who could serve as major advisor.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applicants can start in fall (late August), spring (January) or summer (May) in the MPH programme; intake terms for other graduate programmes are set by each department or program.

The graduate application fee is $75 for domestic and international applicants, with one fee per application; applicants may submit up to two applications to different graduate majors per semester. Applications are reviewed by the department or program, which sets its own deadlines.

MPH application deadlines (SOPHAS completion): fall May 18, spring October 18, summer February 15; MSU supplemental application: fall June 1, spring November 1, summer March 1.

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