Wildlife Ecology Graduate Degree Program

MAIN AREAS OF RESEARCH

The Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology offers graduate education and training in a number of areas leading to the master of science and/or the doctor of philosophy degree in Wildlife Ecology. The department takes pride in its program’s outstanding research reputation and the success of graduates working throughout the world. The Wildlife Ecology program was founded by Aldo Leopold in 1939, and the program has maintained his vision and legacy of excellence in our current research and graduate training activities.

Master’s and doctoral work in wildlife ecology typically focus on areas of wildlife ecology that reflect the expertise of the faculty, including but not limited to: behavioral ecology, physiological ecology, population dynamics, wildlife disease, community ecology, landscape ecology, wildlife management, wildlife-habitat linkages, molecular ecology, human dimensions, species distribution modeling, climate change, endangered species recovery, conservation biology, toxicology, and wildlife damage management.

PROGRAM FUNDING

Applications to graduate studies act as the application for financial support.

Offers of financial support accompany most offers of admission for students admitted to Forestry and Wildlife Ecology.

RA Positions

Most students in the department hold research assistantships (RA’s).

Availability:  Limited

Stipends:

• Linked to RA appointments
• Reviewed and updated annually
• Current stipend info and program rates

Other Benefits:

• Tuition remission
• Health insurance plan comparable to the one faculty have

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

We strongly recommend that applicants contact individual faculty in the department who work in their area of interest to determine if they are accepting applications before submitting a formal application to the Graduate School or review the positions posted on the Graduate Training Opportunities page.  Most successful applicants have

1. had contact with their prospective advisor
2. developed a research focus
3. prepared a student ‘statement of purpose’ in the area of interest
4. the ability to relate their desired area of study to that of a particular faculty member

Personal contact is very important. Applicants should make this contact at least 6-12 months prior to their anticipated admission, which can be anytime during the year (not only fall semesters). Note: such contact does not ensure admission; it merely serves to initiate a dialog between a student and a potential advisor.The applicant can learn whether there will be openings when they wish to apply.

The Forest and Wildlife Ecology department requires specific materials for the graduate application.  These materials include

• Graduate School Application Form and Application Fee
• Supplementary Application
• Resume or CV
• Transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)