M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences - Fisheries Sciences Specialization South Dakota State University

Program Information

SDSU has an extensive graduate program in wildlife and fisheries sciences. The Department of Natural Resource Management offers graduate programs in both Biological Science and Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. Both degree programs award M.S. and Ph.D. degrees.

Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences

The M.S. degree program in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences is intended to educate students for management-level positions with state and federal agencies, private companies, and for the pursuit of higher academic degrees. By using specifically identified coursework and mentoring, we strive to assist students in developing their intellectual capabilities in working with natural resources and people. In addition, each student must propose and conduct an original scientific investigation. Placement rates for M.S. graduates into positions as fisheries biologists, wildlife biologists, and other natural resource positions with state and federal agencies is extremely high.

Biological Sciences

Students interested in careers in ecology, environmental science, and range science often utilize the Biological Sciences M.S. degree programs.

Student Learning Outcomes: Be knowledgeable regarding biological systems at a level appropriate to a M.S. degree holder; Be able to effectively express themselves orally and in written form; Understand the scientific method of solving problem; Be computer and statistically capable; Be specialized in some area of wildlife or fisheries, but still be broadly based in knowledge; Be able to conduct scholarly research; Understand the relationships between biological information and socioeconomic factors; Demonstrate professional development, especially in regard to the need for continued learning after their degree program; Develop a concern and feeling for the natural resources of the world.