Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, MS

Program Description

Those who are interested in pursuing a Master’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology should have sound undergraduate training in the biological or related sciences. 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 production 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. 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.

Thesis research areas may include conservation biology, wildlife management, endangered species, freshwater fisheries science and wildlife toxicology.

For more information, please visit https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/departments/fec/index.html.

Combined BS/MS in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology

Under this plan, students may reduce the time necessary to earn both degrees by applying graduate credits to both undergraduate and graduate program requirements. Students should obtain specific requirements for the dual degree from the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation as early as possible in their undergraduate program to ensure that all prerequisites are met. Enrollment guidelines and procedures can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Summary of Degree Requirements

Students must successfully complete at least 24 credit hours of graduate coursework plus at least six credit hours of thesis research (WFB 8910 ). 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 24 credits of coursework. In addition to the required coursework, students eligible for graduation must complete and successfully defend a research thesis.