The Best Master’s in Wildlife & Wildlands Science and Management Programs

100% online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Course
In State | $575
Out of State | $575

Credits to Graduate
33

Program Information
N/A

UF offers a thesis-based and a non-thesis MS in wildlife ecology and conservation program, providing students with knowledge of conservation laws and medicine. The core studies in this program include courses in wildlife crime scene processing and wildlife laws and policies. 

For admission, prospective students need a bachelor's degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, plus a statement of purpose and recommendation letters. Applicants with a doctorate in veterinary medicine also qualify. 

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $12,176
Out of State | $25,504

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
N/A

Since 1939, UW has offered a wildlife ecology program. The school's MS in wildlife ecology program features course options that include forest biometry, extinction of species, and environmental remote sensing. Students also complete an entrance and exit seminar and a thesis defense for their degree. 

For admission, prospective students need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. They must also possess the appropriate science prerequisites for entry. 

On-Campus and Online | Scheduled and Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $8,026
Out of State | $17,558

Credits to Graduate
36

Program Information
N/A

Texas A&M's master of wildlife science in wildlife science program teaches students practical skills and prepares them to be leaders in the field. The non-thesis program features course options in wildlife study design and analysis, wildlife restoration, and ecological risk assessment. Students also need to pass a final examination to earn the degree. 

For admission, prospective students need a bachelor's degree and the appropriate prerequisites. They also must submit letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.

On-Campus and 100% Online | Scheduled and Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $855
Out of State | $1,777

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
N/A

Clemson's master of wildlife and fisheries program features a thesis and a non-thesis option. Students may choose from many courses, including wildlife ecology in managed forests, global change ecology, and wildlife behavior. The program also offers internship and volunteer experience opportunities. 

For admission, prospective students need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants without the necessary relevant experience or a 3.0 GPA may submit GRE scores for consideration. 

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes 

Avg. Cost per Academic Year
In State | $14,710
Out of State | $29,904

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
N/A

MSU runs a thesis and non-thesis MS program in fisheries and wildlife. The programs feature specializations in integrative toxicology; quantitative biology; resource economics; and ecology, evolutionary biology, and behavior. Each specialization has its own courses and requirements, but all students take a course on perspectives on fisheries and wildlife. 

For admission, prospective students need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, plus results from the GRE and an advanced biology exam. Provisional acceptance may be provided to applicants with a minimum GPA of 2.75.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $539
Out of State | $1,105

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
N/A

UAF's MS program in wildlife biology and conservation features core courses in research design, scientific writing in the biological sciences, and data analysis in biology. Learners also complete a thesis requirement for six credits.

UAF students benefit from the 2,000-acre physical study area near campus. Teaching assistantships may be available. For admission, prospective students need a bachelor's degree, plus letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.

On-Campus and 100% Online | Scheduled and Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $514
Out of State | $514

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southeastern Section of The Wildlife Society

MSU's MS program in wildlife, fisheries, and aquaculture allows learners to specialize in any of these three fields. They choose courses from over 45 departmental offerings to fill out their program. Students also complete a six-credit research component, a thesis, and a comprehensive examination. 

MSU offers teaching assistantships and waives or covers tuition for admitted graduate students. For admission, prospective students need a BS degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes 

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $498
Out of State | $1,046

Credits to Graduate
45

Program Information
Program Accreditation | N/A

OSU's department of fisheries, wildlife, and conservation science focuses on sustainable use of natural resources, biodiversity conservation, and natural resource management. The MS program in wildlife science features coursework and a professional component with an internship or capstone project and defense.

Wildlife science students benefit from OSU hosting the Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. For admission, prospective students need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants with a lower GPA may submit GRE scores for consideration. 

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $404
Out of State | $488

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
N/A

USU's MS program in wildlife biology focuses on the conflict between humans and wildlife. Students choose between a thesis-based program or one with a final paper or creative project. Course options include forest ecology, community ecology, and human-wildlife interactions. 

USU students have access to several biology and ecology research centers and labs, plus a diverse research environment surrounding the campus. For admission, prospective students need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. They must also submit letters of recommendation. GRE scores may be required by some advisors. 

On-Campus | Scheduled Classes 

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $513
Out of State | $1,449

Credits to Graduate
30

Program Information
N/A

Students in WVU's thesis-based MS in wildlife and fisheries resources program conduct original research on historical or contemporary issues. Core requirements include completing special topics and wildlife seminars and a research course. Other course options include conservation genetics, aquatic toxicology, and wildlife data analysis. 

Graduates qualify for biologist certification from the Wildlife Society or The American Fisheries Society. For admission, prospective students need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75. They must submit letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and adequate GRE scores.