Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, PhD

Program Description

Those interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology should have sound undergraduate training in the biological or related sciences and a related master’s degree or equivalent research experience. Initially, applicants should contact the faculty members whose research interests are closest to their own. Programs of study are designed to emphasize relationships between wild animals and their changing environments and conservation of aquatic organisms. Students are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a natural science, with a minimum of 30 credit hours in natural sciences. In addition, an MS in wildlife and fisheries biology or related natural resources field is preferred, but not required, for acceptance into the doctoral program. Students accepted without the appropriate course background will be required to make up these deficiencies as outlined by the prospective advisor and consistent with University admission policies.

Research opportunities are enhanced by cooperative programs with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Research Unit at Clemson, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Waddell Mariculture Center and other cooperators. The graduate program is accredited by the Southeastern Section of the Wildlife Society.

Summary of Degree Requirements

A minimum of 30 credits past the master’s and 60 credits past the bachelor’s degree, inclusive of research credits, are required to earn a PhD in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. A minimum of 18 credits of doctoral research (WFB 9910 ) is required. A minimum of 12 credit hours of non-research courses numbered 8000 or above is required. The coursework must include two graduate-level courses in statistics, unless this requirement is modified or waived by the Advisory Committee and Graduate Coordinator (e.g., if the student had sufficient training in statistics prior to entering the doctoral program). Students are expected to take Graduate Seminar (FNR 8080 ) twice, or a combination of FNR 8080  and other graduate reading group or seminar courses, as approved by the Advisory Committee, for a total of two credits. Seminar or reading group classes count toward the required 12 credits of non-research 8000-level coursework. In addition to the required coursework, students eligible for graduation must complete and successfully defend a comprehensive exam and dissertation.