Academic Programs Catalog

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Department of Fisheries and Wildlife

Dana Marie Infante, Chairperson

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife strongly believes that conservation of natural resources and a healthy environment are vital to the future of humanity. The faculty, staff and students in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife address global challenges that threaten the sustainability of Earth’s ecosystems and their animal populations. Our mission is to build local, national, and international capacities to conserve ecosystems that support fish, wildlife, and society through integrated programs in research, education, and engagement. We strive for increasingly inclusive, positive influences on interdependent human-natural systems and foster a culture built on respect, inclusion, and good governance.

 

Undergraduate Programs

The Fisheries and Wildlife undergraduate majors focus on interactions between humans and the natural world through courses that link three foundational topics: (1) the ecology of Earth's ecosystems and their animal populations, (2) the diversity of ways in which people use and value natural resources, and (3) the application of scientific understanding, using conservation and management techniques to meet global challenges threatening the sustainability of Earth's ecosystems and their animal populations. 

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Conservation Biology focuses on the science of analyzing and conserving the earth's biological diversity drawing from the biological, physical and social sciences, economics, and the practice of natural resource conservation and management.

The program of study includes course work in the life sciences, social sciences, communication, climate change, environmental policy, and field, lab and analytic techniques; it also includes an experiential learning component, such as study abroad and/or professional internships. Our students value the relatively small class sizes and dedicated faculty instructors.  This program prepares students with interests in the life sciences, social sciences, and environmental policy for rewarding careers in conservation biology, as well as fisheries biology, wildlife biology, animal health, and applied ecology. Our graduates most typically find employment with state and federal natural resource agencies, non-profit environmental organizations, private companies, and consulting firms, as well as universities and colleges.

Students who complete the requirements for the Applied Conservation Biology major and choose elective courses appropriately can also satisfy requirements for certification by the American Fisheries Society as an Associate Fisheries Scientist or the Wildlife Society as an Associate Wildlife Biologist.

The Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Ecology and Management is designed for students interested in examining the biological, physical, chemical, geological and hydrological aspects of lakes and ponds, rivers and streams, wetlands and groundwaters, with an emphasis on water quality. This major provides students with the understanding and skills needed for careers related to protecting and restoring water resources around the North American Great Lakes region and the world.

The program of study includes course work in the life sciences, social sciences, communication, climate change, environmental policy, and field, lab and analytic techniques; it also includes an experiential learning component, such as study abroad and/or professional internships. Our students value the relatively small class sizes and dedicated faculty instructors.

This program prepares students with interests in the life sciences, social sciences, and environmental policy for rewarding careers in water quality management, fisheries biology, conservation biology, animal and public health, and applied ecology. Our graduates most typically find employment with state and federal natural resource agencies, non-profit environmental organizations, private companies, and consulting firms, as well as universities and colleges.

The Bachelor of Science in Fish Ecology and Management is designed for students interested in the research and management of fish populations, other freshwater and marine organisms, and the ecosystems that sustain them.

The program of study includes course work in the life sciences, social sciences, communication, climate change, environmental policy, and field, lab and analytic techniques; it also includes an experiential learning component, such as study abroad and/or professional internships. Our students value the relatively small class sizes and dedicated faculty instructors.  This program prepares students with interests in the life sciences, social sciences, and environmental policy for rewarding careers in fisheries biology, water quality management, conservation biology, animal health, and applied ecology. Our graduates most typically find employment with state and federal natural resource agencies, non-profit environmental organizations, private companies and consulting firms, as well as universities and colleges.

Students who complete the requirements for the Fish Ecology and Management major and choose elective courses appropriately can also satisfy requirements for certification by the American Fisheries Society as an Associate Fisheries Scientist.

The Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology and Management is for students interested in understanding and managing terrestrial habitats and animals including game, non-game, and endangered species.

The program of study includes course work in the life sciences, social sciences, communication, climate change, environmental policy, and field, lab and analytic techniques; it also includes an experiential learning component, such as study abroad and/or professional internships. Our students value the relatively small class sizes and dedicated faculty instructors.  This program prepares students with interests in the life sciences, social sciences, and environmental policy for rewarding careers in wildlife biology, conservation biology, animal health, and applied ecology. Our graduates most typically find employment with state and federal natural resource agencies, non-profit environmental organizations, private companies and consulting firms, as well as universities and colleges.

Students who complete the requirements for the Wildlife Ecology and Management major and choose elective courses appropriately can also satisfy requirements for certification by the Wildlife Society as an Associate Wildlife Biologist.
 

Fisheries and Wildlife

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Fisheries and Wildlife

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife.

    The University’s Tier II writing requirement for the Fisheries and Wildlife major is met by completing Fisheries and Wildlife 434 referenced in item 3. below.

    Students who are enrolled in the Fisheries and Wildlife major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife may complete an alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences by completing items 3. a. and 3. b. below. The completion of Biological Sciences 171 or 172 or Lyman Briggs 144 and Chemistry 161 or Lyman Briggs 171L satisfies the laboratory requirement. Completion of items 3. a. and 3. b. below will be counted toward both the alternative track and the requirements for the major.

    The completion of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources mathematics requirement may also satisfy the University mathematics requirement.
  2. The requirements of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the Bachelor of Science degree.

    Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.  The completion of item 3. d. below satisfies the College's mathematics requirement.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
                   
    a. One of the following groups of courses (9 or 10 credits): 
    (1) BS  161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    BS 171 Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory 2
    BS 162 Organismal and Population Biology 3
    BS 172 Organismal and Population Biology Laboratory 2
    (2) LB  144 Biology I – Organismal Biology 4
    LB  145 Biology II: Cellular and Molecular Biology  5
    b. One of the following groups of courses (5 credits):
    (1) CEM  141 General Chemistry 4
    CEM  161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    (2) CEM  151 General and Descriptive Chemistry 4
    CEM  161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    (3) LB  171 Principles of Chemistry I 4
    LB  171L  Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    c. One course from each group (6 to 8 credits): 
    (1) PHY  231 Introductory Physics I 3
    PHY  183 Physics for Scientists and Engineers I 4
    LB  273 Physics I 4
    (2) CSS  210 Fundamentals of Soil Science 3
    GLG 201 The Dynamic Earth 4
    GEO  203 Introduction to Meteorology 3
    GEO 206 Physical Geography 3
    d. One course from each group (6 or 7 credits): 
    (1) MTH  124 Survey of Calculus I 3
    MTH  132 Calculus I 3
    LB  118 Calculus I 4
    (2) STT  231 Statistics for Scientists 3
    STT  224 Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Ecologists 3
    STT  421 Statistics I  3
    e. Two of the following courses (6 credits): 
    COM 100 Human Communication 3
    COM 225 Introduction to Interpersonal Communication 3
    COM 275 Effects of Mass Communication 3
    CSUS 433 Grant Writing and Fund Development (W) 3
    FW  435 Integrated Communications for the Fisheries and Wildlife Professional 3
    JRN 472 Environment, Science and Health Reporting 3
    WRA 320 Technical Communication (W) 3
    WRA  331 Writing in the Public Interest (W) 3
    WRA 341 Nature and Environmental Writing 3
    WRA  453 Grant and Proposal Writing 3
    f. One of the following courses (3 credits): 
    FW 439 Conservation Ethics 3
    PHL  340 Ethics 3
    PHL 342 Environmental Ethics 3
    PHL  380 Nature of Science 3
    GEO  432 Environmental Ethics (W) 3
    g. Complete at least 3 credits from the following courses: 
    FW  493 Professional Internship in Fisheries and Wildlife 3
    FW  490 Independent Study in Fisheries and Wildlife 3
    FW  480 International Studies in Fisheries and Wildlife 3
    FW  499 Senior Thesis in Fisheries and Wildlife 4
    h. All of the following courses (17 credits): 
    FW  101 Fundamentals of Fisheries and Wildlife Ecology and Management 3
    FW  293 Undergraduate Seminar in Fisheries and Wildlife 1
    FW  364 Ecological Problem Solving 3
    FW  424 Population Analysis and Management 4
    FW  434 Human Dimension of Fisheries and Wildlife Management (W) 3
    IBIO 355 Ecology 3
    i. One of the following courses (2 or 3 credits):
    FW 101L Fundamentals of Fisheries and Wildlife Ecology and Management Laboratory 2
    FW 238 Introductory Fisheries and Wildlife Field Experience 3
    j. One of the following concentrations: 
    Conservation Biology (27 to 29 credits):
    (1) All of the following courses (12 credits):
    FW  444 Conservation Biology 3
    FW 445 Biodiversity Conservation Policy and Practice 3
    IBIO 445 Evolution (W) 3
    PLB 443 Restoration Ecology 3
    (2) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    FOR 404 Forest Ecology 3
    IBIO 485 Tropical Biology (W) 3
    PLB  441 Plant Ecology 3
    (3) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    CSS  350 Introduction to Plant Genetics 3
    IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
    (4) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    FW  410 Upland Ecosystem Management 3
    FW  414 Aquatic Ecosystem Management 3
    FW  416 Marine Ecosystem Management  3
    FW  417 Wetland Ecology and Management 3
    FW 454 Environmental Hydrology for Watershed Management 3
    FW  479 Fisheries Management 3
    (5) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    CSUS 464 Environmental and Natural Resource Policy in Michigan 3
    CSUS 465 Environmental and Natural Resource Law 3
    EEM 255 Ecological Economics 3
    FW 449 Wildlife Policy 3
    FW  481 Global Issues in Fisheries and Wildlife 3
    FOR  466 Natural Resource Policy 3
    IBIO 446 Environmental Issues and Public Policy 3
    MC 450 International Environmental Law and Policy 3
    (6) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    ENT  422 Aquatic Entomology  3
    FOR  204 Forest Vegetation 3
    FW  471 Ichthyology 4
    IBIO 360 Biology of Birds  4
    IBIO 365 Biology of Mammals 4
    IBIO 384 Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (W) 4
    PLB  218 Plants of Michigan 3
    PLB  418 Plant Systematics 3
    Fisheries Biology and Management (25 to 28 credits):
    (1) One of the following courses (3 credits): 
    FW  472 Limnology  3
    FW  420 Stream Ecology 3
    (2) All of the following courses (10 credits):
    FW  471 Ichthyology 4
    FW  479 Fisheries Management  3
    FW  474 Field and Laboratory Techniques for Aquatic Studies  3
    (3) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    FW  414 Aquatic Ecosystem Management 3
    FW  416 Marine Ecosystem Management 3
    FW  417 Wetland Ecology and Management 3
    FW 454 Environmental Hydrology for Watershed Management 3
    (4) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    ENT 404 Fundamentals of Entomology 3
    ENT  422 Aquatic Entomology 3
    IBIO 306 Invertebrate Biology 4
    (5) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    PLB  418 Plant Systematics 3
    PLB 424 Algal Biology 4
    (6) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    CSS 350 Introduction to Plant Genetics 3
    FW 431 Ecophysiology and Toxicology of Fishes 3
    IBIO 328 Comparative Anatomy and Biology of Vertebrates (W) 4
    IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
    Wildlife Biology and Management (26 or 27 credits):
    (1) All of the following courses (9 credits):
    FW  410 Upland Ecosystem Management 3
    FW  417 Wetland Ecology and Management 3
    FW 413 Wildlife Research and Management Techniques 3
    (2) Two of the following courses (8 credits):
    IBIO 360 Biology of Birds  4
    IBIO 365 Biology of Mammals 4
    IBIO 384 Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (W) 4
    (3) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    FOR  204 Forest Vegetation 3
    PLB  218 Plants of Michigan 3
    PLB  418 Plant Systematics 3
    (4) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    FOR 404 Forest Ecology 3
    PLB 105 Plant Biology 3
    PLB 203 Biology of Plants 3
    PLB 441 Plant Ecology 3
    (5) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    CSS 350 Introduction to Plant Genetics 3
    IBIO 328 Comparative Anatomy and Biology of Vertebrates (W) 4
    IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
    Water Sciences (24 to 28 credits):
    (1) Two of the following courses (6 credits):
    FW  417 Wetland Ecology and Management 3
    FW  420 Stream Ecology 3
    FW  472 Limnology 3
    (2) The following course (3 credits): 
    FW  474 Field and Laboratory Techniques for Aquatic Studies  3
    (3) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    FW  414 Aquatic Ecosystem Management 3
    FW  416 Marine Ecosystem Management 3
    FW 454 Environmental Hydrology for Watershed Management 3
    FW  479 Fisheries Management 3
    (4) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    ENT 404 Fundamentals of Entomology 3
    ENT  422 Aquatic Entomology 3
    FW  471 Ichthyology 4
    IBIO 306 Invertebrate Biology 4
    (5) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    PLB  418 Plant Systematics 3
    PLB  424 Algal Biology 4
    (6) Two of the following courses (6 to 8 credits):
    CSS 350 Introduction to Plant Genetics 3
    FW 431 Ecophysiology and Toxicology of Fishes 3
    GLG  421 Environmental Geochemistry 4
    IBIO 303 Oceanography 4
    IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
    IBIO 353 Marine Biology (W) 4
    MMG  425 Microbial Ecology 3
    Fish and Wildlife Disease Ecology and Management (30 or 31 credits):
    (1) All of the following courses (20 credits):
    FW  423 Principles of Fish and Wildlife Disease  3
    FW 423L  Principles of Fish and Wildlife Disease Laboratory  1
    FW  444 Conservation Biology 3
    FW 463 Wildlife Disease Ecology 3
    IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
    IBIO 445 Evolution (W) 3
    MMG 301 Introductory Microbiology 3
    (2) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    CEM 143 Survey of Organic Chemistry 4
    CEM 251 Organic Chemistry 3
    (3) One of the following courses (3 credits):
    FW  410 Upland Ecosystem Management 3
    FW  414 Aquatic Ecosystem Management 3
    FW  416 Marine Ecosystem Management 3
    FW  417 Wetland Ecology and Management 3
    FW 454 Environmental Hydrology for Watershed Management 3
    FW  479 Fisheries Management 3
    (4) One of the following courses (4 credits):
    FW 471 Ichthyology 4
    IBIO 306 Invertebrate Biology 4
    IBIO 360 Biology of Birds  4
    IBIO 365 Biology of Mammals 4
    IBIO 384 Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles (W) 4
    Preveterinary (27 or 28 credits):
    (1) All of the following courses (24 credits):
    BMB  401 Comprehensive Biochemistry  4
    CEM  251 Organic Chemistry I 3
    CEM  252 Organic Chemistry II  3
    CEM  255 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2
    FW  423 Principles of Fish and Wildlife Disease  3
    FW  423L  Principles of Fish and Wildlife Disease Laboratory  1
    FW 463 Wildlife Disease Ecology 3
    PHY  251 Introductory Physics Laboratory I 1
    PHY  232 Introductory Physics II  3
    PHY 252 Introductory Physics Laboratory II  1
    (2) One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
    ANS  314 Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animals 4
    ANS 409 Problems, Controversies and Advancement in Reproduction 3
    ANS 435 Mammary Physiology 4
    ANS 445 Equine Exercise Physiology 4
    ANS 455 Avian Physiology 4
    BLD 434 Clinical Immunology 3
    IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
    IBIO 408 Histology 4
    IBIO 425 Cells and Development (W) 4
    IBIO 450 Cancer Biology (W) 3
    MMG 301 Introductory Microbiology 3
    MMG 409 Eukaryotic Cell Biology 3
    MMG 451 Immunology 3
    NEU 300 Neurobiology 3
    PSL 310 Physiology for Pre-Health Professionals 4

Minor in Conservation, Recreation and Environmental Enforcement

The Minor in Conservation, Recreation and Environmental Enforcement is designed to combine the natural resource expertise of the fisheries and wildlife, forestry, parks, recreation and tourism, and environmental sustainability programs, with the law enforcement expertise of the criminal justice program to serve those students with career interests in conservation, recreation or environmental law enforcement. The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice, fisheries and wildlife, forestry, parks, recreation and tourism and environmental studies and sustainability. The minor is administered by the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Students who are interested in enrolling should apply to the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife for acceptance.

With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Requirements for the Minor in Conservation, Recreation and Environmental Enforcement

The student must complete (19 to 20 credits):

1. Complete both of the following courses (4 credits):
CJ 110 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
CSUS 278 Introduction to Conservation, Recreation and Environmental Enforcement 1
Natural Resources Conservation and Management (6 or 7 credits)
1. One of the following courses (3 credits):
CSUS 200 Introduction to Sustainability 3
CSUS 276 Sustaining our National Parks and Recreation Lands 3
FOR 202 Introduction to Forestry 3
FW 101 Fundamentals of Fisheries and Wildlife 3
2. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
CSUS 320 Environmental Planning and Management 3
CSUS 476 Natural Resource Recreation Management 4
FW 444 Conservation Biology 3
FW 481 Global Issues in Fisheries and Wildlife 3
Environmental Attitudes, Policy and Law (3 credits)
1. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
CSUS 310 History of Environmental Thought and Sustainability 3
CSUS 464 Environmental and Natural Resource Policy in Michigan 3
CSUS 465 Environmental and Natural Resource Law 3
FOR 330 Human Dimensions of Forests 3
FOR 466 Natural Resource Policy 3
FW 434 Human Dimensions of Fisheries and Wildlife Management (W) 3
FW 445 Biodiversity Conservation Policy and Practice 3
IBIO 446 Environmental Issues and Public Policy 3
MC 450 International Environmental Law and Policy 3
SOC 452 Environment and Society 3
Law Enforcement (6 credits)
1. Two of the following courses (6 credits):
CJ 210 Introduction to Forensic Science 3
CJ 220 Criminology 3
CJ 235 Investigation Procedures 3
CJ 275 Criminal Procedure 3
CJ 335 Policing 3
CJ 432 Community Policing 3


Minor in Marine Ecosystem Management

The Minor in Marine Ecosystem Management is designed to provide students with a fundamental background in ecosystem management of marine natural resources. Students gain insight and experience in marine management issues relative to estuarine, coastal, and open-water marine ecosystems from the perspective of habitat, biota and human resource users. Students are also exposed to the management skills necessary to recognize and use effective techniques to conserve, preserve and restore marine ecosystem integrity for the benefit of society. This unique management emphasis serves the career interests of students well as they pursue positions in the marine sciences.

The Minor in Marine Ecosystem Management is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in Bachelor of Science degree programs with majors in Fisheries and Wildlife, and Zoology. The minor is administered by the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the marine ecosystem management minor should contact the undergraduate advisor for fisheries and wildlife in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Requirements for the Minor in Marine Ecosystem Management

The student must complete:

Marine Ecosystem Management
All of the following courses (14 credits):
FW 110 Conservation and Management of Marine Resources 3
FW 416 Marine Ecosystem Management 3
IBIO 303 Oceanography 4
IBIO 353 Marine Biology (W) 4
Biodiversity
One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
FW 471 Ichthyology 4
IBIO 306 Invertebrate Biology 3
PLB 424 Algal Biology 4
Experiential Learning in Marine Ecosystem Management
One of the following courses which must contain a marine emphasis (2 to 4 credits):
FW 480 International Studies in Fisheries and Wildlife 3
FW 493 Professional Internships in Fisheries and Wildlife 2 or 3
IBIO 496 Internship in Zoology 4
IBIO 498 Internship in Zoo and Aquarium Science 4


Graduate Study

The mission of the Fisheries and Wildlife department is to build local, national, and international capacities to conserve ecosystems that support fish, wildlife, and society through integrated programs in research, education and engagement. The department’s faculty, students and staff address a wide range of research themes that fall along spectrums of disciplinary expertise, scientific approaches to understanding, collaborators, funding sources, and stakeholder groups.  Our expertise ranges from disciplinary areas with a long-standing history in the domain of fisheries and wildlife to those emerging more recently. Collectively, we are tackling challenges and developing solutions in areas including, but not limited to: managing for sustainable harvest of fisheries and wildlife populations, developing sound governance structures and effective policies, assessing the ecological status of animal populations and their ecosystems at broad geographic scales, incorporating the diverse ways that humans use and value natural resources into management processes and decisions, and understanding and responding to emerging infectious diseases, global climate change, human-wildlife conflict, wildlife trafficking, environmental toxins, and invasive species.

The department's graduate program is a national leader in the training of students for careers in research, management, teaching, extension and consulting. The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife offers a thesis or non-thesis Master of Science (M.S.) degree and a Doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in Fisheries and Wildlife. Required courses are few, allowing for programs of study that reflect diverse student interests and skill-building opportunities. Consistent with our commitment to the application of our work to improve natural resource conservation and stewardship, all our graduate students are required to conduct an outreach project or enroll in an outreach course.  Graduates of our master's program are hired by a variety of local, state and federal governmental agencies, private corporations, museums, zoos and nature centers, tribal organizations, and environmental consulting firms. Ph.D. graduates are employed on the faculty of leading universities and compete successfully for positions outside of academia, such as research positions with federal agencies. Approximately 100 graduate students are currently enrolled, the majority of whom receive financial assistance in the form of graduate assistantships. 

Graduate student research projects span the department’s diverse disciplinary areas. These projects take advantage of modern computing facilities, a world-class library, university research stations, laboratory facilities, and department relationships with a global network of scientists, management agencies, and stakeholder groups.  Whereas many of our graduate students address research questions applied to the natural resources of Michigan, many are involved in projects of national and international scope.  Our students present their research results to a wide range of regional, national and international audiences. 

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs in fisheries and wildlife.  Students in the Master of Science degree program in fisheries and wildlife are eligible for the dual JD program with Michigan State University - College of Law. Doctoral students may pursue interdepartmental dual degrees in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior or Environmental Science and Policy.  For additional information, refer to the statements in Environmental Science and Policy – Dual Major and Ecology, Evolution and Behavior – Dual Major in this catalog.  

Students who are enrolled in Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife may elect specializations in environmental and resource economics, fish and wildlife disease ecology and conservation medicine, and gender, justice and environmental change. For additional information, refer to the statements on Interdepartmental Graduate Specializations in Environmental and Resource Economics, Graduate Specialization in Fish and Wildlife Disease Ecology and Conservation Medicine, and the Graduate Specialization in Gender, Justice, and Environmental Change in this catalog.


Fisheries and Wildlife - Master of Science

Programs of study are based on the academic preparation, interests, and career goals of individual students.  Although individual students' programs vary, all Master of Science programs in fisheries and wildlife are designed to provide preparation in one of the areas of specialization within the field of fisheries and wildlife, broad preparation in related areas, and a foundation for fisheries and wildlife related careers in administration, research, and management.

Master of Science

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the student must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Admission to a master's program requires prior completion of an undergraduate major in a biological or other appropriate science with course work appropriate to support the graduate program. Students lacking sufficient courses may be admitted provisionally until such deficiencies are removed by completing collateral courses. Scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test are required.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Fisheries and Wildlife

The student may elect either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). A total of 30 credits is required for the degree under either Plan A or Plan B. The student and the major professor plan a program of study that includes FW 894 and courses related to one or more areas of specialization within the field of fisheries and wildlife. Students are required to plan and execute a departmentally approved outreach experience, or in lieu of this, include FW 895 in their approved program. The program must be approved by the student's guidance committee which includes at least two members in addition to the major professor, at least one of which is from the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.



 


Fisheries and Wildlife - Doctor of Philosophy

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the student must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Applicants for a doctoral program should have completed a Bachelor of Science degree in a biological or other appropriate science. For some areas of specialization, additional background in mathematics, chemistry, botany, zoology or a related Master of Science degree is desirable. Scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test are required.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Fisheries and Wildlife

The student and the major professor plan a program of study that includes FW 894 and courses related to one or more areas of specialization within the field of fisheries and wildlife. Students are required to plan and execute a departmentally approved outreach experience, or in lieu of, include FW 895 in their approved program. The program must be approved by the student's guidance committee, which includes at least three members in addition to the major professor, at least one of whom is from a department other than Fisheries and Wildlife and at least one of whom is from the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.


Conservation Law - Graduate Certificate (this program is in moratorium effective Spring 2020 through Fall 2022)

The Graduate Certificate in Conservation Law provides students an opportunity to explore conservation law by gaining familiarity with the language, theory and practices of the law discipline to better integrate their core education with their respective environmental or conservation-related disciplinary field.

The graduate certificate is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs at Michigan State University.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Conservation Law

Students must complete both of the following courses (9 credits):
LAW 630M Conservation Law Clinic I 6
LAW 630N Conservation Law Clinic II 3