Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, PhD

Program Description

A PhD in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology provides students with advanced training in scientific-based conservation and management of wildlife and fisheries populations, their habitats, and broader ecological communities. Dissertation research areas may include but are not limited to conservation biology, population dynamics, movement ecology, landscape and spatial ecology, habitat management, and conservation and management of endangered species. The PhD dissertation should also demonstrate your ability to contribute significant new understanding to your field of study.

Graduates from this program often pursue careers as research scientists or biologists with state or federal agencies, NGOs, or private research entities, or as faculty at the university level. 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, Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center, and other cooperators. The graduate program is accredited by the Southeastern Section of the Wildlife Society.

Students are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a natural sciences field. In addition, an MS in wildlife or fisheries biology or related natural resources field is preferred, but not required. Students accepted without the appropriate course background may be required to address these deficiencies as outlined by the prospective advisor and consistent with University admission policies. Before applying, it is recommended that applicants contact faculty members whose research interests align with their own to determine the availability of research opportunities.

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.