Wildlife Biology

About This Degree

USU is the only university in the state with a college devoted to the study of natural resources, and the degree in wildlife biology is one of the few academic programs in the nation where students can study the management of human-wildlife conflict.

Professors in the department have a wide array of interest areas in wildlife biology that students can study and are renowned for securing research grants and publishing their research. The department promotes a particular focus on current issues and concerns in natural resources, such as climate change, endangered species, restoration of sagebrush steppe systems and other landscapes, and human-wildlife conflict.

Utah State is at the nexus of the Intermountain West. With field study opportunities in diverse habitat zones, students have the unique opportunity to work in various landscapes. This geographic situation attracts high-caliber scientists as faculty at USU, allowing students to work with recognized experts in their fields. Students are supported in their research and encouraged to participate at conferences, and the travel expenses and costs to participate are often provided by the department.

Additionally, graduates in wildlife biology have an excellent track record for career placement.

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At a Glance

College: S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources

Department: Wildland Resources Department

USU Locations:

Logan campus

Faculty: View profiles of faculty members on the department directory.

Program Requirements

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Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Graduates in wildlife biology are able to work in the following careers:

Researchers for government agencies
University faculty and academia (with the PhD)
Environmental consultants
Extension specialists
Research biologists
Conservationists
Wildlife managers
Administrators in wildlife services
Non-government organizations

Job Outlook

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND ADVISING

Advising

Stacey Brummer

Wildland Resources Staff Assistant
Email: stacey.brummer@usu.edu
Office: NR 206
Phone: (435) 797-2503

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I am a current USU student

I have been admitted and plan to attend, or continue attending USU

USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

Admission

Admission Requirements

Students with undergraduate degrees in natural resources or sciences are preferred.

To be accepted to the program, it is recommended that applicants first contact a specific faculty member with whom they are interested in working. If the faculty member is accepting graduate students and agrees to work with the student, the student can then apply by completing the following application requirements:

Application Requirements:

Complete the online application
Pay the $55 application fee
The GRE is not required by the Department or College, but that specific advisors may require GRE scores
Have a 3.0 or higher GPA on your last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits
Provide transcripts of all college/university credits
Provide three contacts for letters of recommendation

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Deadlines

Applications for graduate programs are accepted year-round. However, chances for acceptance are best if students apply between October and January of each academic year. It is also encouraged that students begin in the fall if possible.

Program Requirements

PhD Qualifying Exams:

PhD students must pass comprehensive examinations. This exam is used to assess whether a student is prepared to successfully conduct independent research. The assessment depends upon the student’s knowledge in his or her area of emphasis and in supporting areas, understanding of philosophical perspectives on scholarship, and ability to communicate this knowledge effectively.

It is recommended that the comprehensive exam be taken by the end of the student’s second academic year, and it must be passed no later than one year prior to defending the dissertation and before candidacy will be recommended.

Plan Options

Students can receive the MS by pursuing one of two options:

In the Plan A option, students complete graduate-level coursework and must write a thesis.
The Plan B option requires the production of a paper or creative work of art and is expected to reflect equivalent scholarship standards as a thesis.

Financial Aid

The Department of Wildland Resources provides funding for most of its graduate students through research assistantships, available through professors having contracts, grants, or other awards.

A variety of funding opportunities are available on the graduate school website.