Program Overview

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Introduction to the Wildlife Ecology, MS Program

The Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology at the University of WisconsinMadison offers a Master of Science degree in Wildlife Ecology. This program is renowned for its outstanding research reputation and the success of its graduates, who work globally in various capacities. Founded by Aldo Leopold in 1939, the program maintains his legacy of excellence in research and graduate training.

Program Description

The Wildlife Ecology program focuses on areas that reflect the expertise of the faculty, including behavioral ecology, physiological ecology, population dynamics, wildlife disease, community ecology, landscape ecology, wildlife management, wildlife-habitat linkages, molecular ecology, human dimensions, species distribution modeling, climate change, endangered species recovery, conservation biology, toxicology, and wildlife damage management. The department is home to the U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, which prioritizes research supporting state and federal wildlife conservation programs.

Research and Funding

Annual research support for the department's programs averages between $3 million to $4 million, drawn from federal, state, and conservation organizations, as well as private donors. Competition for admission is strong, and not every admissible student can be offered financial support. Graduate assistantships and/or fellowships may be available for a limited number of well-qualified students. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to program faculty before applying, as admittance depends on finding an appropriate fit within a research lab and the faculty member's ability to fund a graduate student throughout their degree program.

Admissions

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program's requirements. Key admissions requirements include:

• Fall Deadline: May 31 for international applicants, August 1 for domestic applicants
• Spring Deadline: October 1 for international applicants, December 1 for domestic applicants
• Summer Deadline: December 1 for domestic applicants, February 1 for international applicants
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's policy
• Other Tests (e.g., GMAT, MCAT): Not applicable
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 required

Application Checklist

1. Graduate School Application Form and Application Fee: Complete the online application.
2. Supplementary Application: Submit the Wildlife Ecology supplementary application as part of the Graduate School's electronic application.
3. Resume or CV: Submit electronically through the online application.
4. Transcripts: Upload an unofficial transcript in PDF format. Official transcripts are required if recommended for admission.
5. Statement of Purpose: Describe graduate program objectives and career focus, including past research experiences.
6. Three Letters of Recommendation: Preferably from individuals acquainted with the applicant's academic, research, and/or professional qualifications.
7. English Proficiency Test Scores (if applicable): Refer to the table above for details.

Prerequisites

Individuals entering the program are expected to have taken a majority of the following coursework, though deficient courses may be taken while in the program in consultation with the student's Graduate Committee:

• One course in ecology, with population ecology/dynamics strongly recommended
• One course in conservation biology, wildlife management, natural resources policy, or human dimensions of natural resources
• One course in animal organismal biology (e.g., physiology, terrestrial vertebrates, ornithology)
• One course in genetics or evolution

Funding

The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees. Resources to help afford graduate study include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Additional funding information is available from the Graduate School and the department's website.

Requirements

Mode of Instruction

• Face to Face: Yes
• Evening/Weekend: No
• Online: No
• Hybrid: No
• Accelerated: No

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 30 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 16 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 15 credits must be graduate-level coursework
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required
• Assessments and Examinations: Students must complete an entrance seminar, coursework certification meeting and paperwork, an exit seminar, and a defense of a thesis
• Language Requirements: None

Required Courses

Students must complete a total of 30 credits to meet graduation requirements, including:

• Graduate Seminars: At least two, selected in consultation with the major professor and the graduate committee
• Statistics: At least one graduate-level course
• Individual Course Plan: Remaining coursework determined in consultation with the student's graduate committee

Policies

Prior Coursework

• Graduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions: Up to 14 credits may be transferred with MS committee approval and Academic Affairs Committee approval
• Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison: Refer to the Graduate School's policy
• Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison: Refer to the Graduate School's policy
• Credits Earned as a University Special Student at UWMadison: Up to 15 credits may be transferred with MS committee approval and Academic Affairs Committee approval

Probation

Refer to the Graduate School's probation policy.

Advisor / Committee

Every graduate student is required to have an advisor. The advisor generally serves as the thesis advisor and provides advice regarding graduate studies.

Credits Per Term Allowed

15 credit maximum. Refer to the Graduate School's policy on maximum credit loads and overload requests.

Time Limits

Refer to the Graduate School's time limits policy.

Grievances and Appeals

Resources for addressing concerns include the Bias or Hate Reporting system, Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures, and the Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs, among others.

Professional Development

The Graduate School offers resources for building skills, thriving academically, and launching a career.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing the program, students will be able to:

1. Articulate, critique, and elaborate the theories, research methods, and approaches to inquiry and practice in the field of wildlife ecology and natural resource management.
2. Identify sources and assemble evidence pertaining to questions or challenges in the field.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the field in a historical, social, and global context.
4. Evaluate and synthesize information pertaining to questions or challenges in the field.
5. Communicate clearly in ways appropriate to the field.
6. Select and utilize the most appropriate methodologies and practices.