Wildlife and Fisheries Resources, MWFR

Program Description

The MWFR is a non-thesis graduate degree designed primarily for students with substantial experience in natural resources who wish to enhance their professional degree skills. The program offers a wide range of coursework in biology, ecology, conservation, and management of wildlife and fisheries populations and their habitats. All coursework in this degree can be completed fully online via asynchronous delivery. Students can also opt to take classes on campus and in person.

Students are required to have completed a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a natural science or related field. Students accepted without the appropriate course background may be required to address course deficiencies as outlined by the Graduate Student Admission Committee and consistent with University admission policies.

GIS Applications in Natural Resources Concentration

Within the MWFR degree we offer an optional concentration in geographic information systems (GIS). The GIS concentration offers a flexible, three-course sequence of advanced training in geospatial technology specifically targeted to the natural resources profession. Upon completion, students demonstrate expertise in a variety of ESRI GIS and Mapping products, GIS analyses, and remote sensing technologies.

Summary of Degree Requirements

Students must successfully complete at least 30 credit hours of graduate coursework. 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 AC, for a total of two credits. Seminar or reading group classes count toward the required 30 credits of coursework. At least half of the total graduate credit hours required by the AC must be selected from courses at the 8000-level or above. No thesis is required.

GIS Applications in Natural Resources Concentration

Students must take three of the following courses: 

• FOR (ENR, WFB) 6340 - Geographic Information Systems for Natural Resources 3 Credits  
• FOR 8160 - Remote Sensing and GIS in Natural Resources 3 Credits 
• WFB 8050 - GIS Analysis in Natural Resources 3 Credits  
• WFB 8640 - Spatial Hydrology 3 Credits  

Students completing the concentration must successfully complete all graduate coursework required by the MWFR program plus one additional three-credit course for a total of 33 credit hours.