Program Overview

Master of Wildlife Biology

The Master of Wildlife Biology (MWB) is a one-year program designed to equip graduates with the academic, technical, and experiential training needed to pursue fulfilling careers in wildlife biology. The program introduces students to the latest techniques and knowledge in wildlife biology and teaches them to apply this knowledge to real-world circumstances.

Why Wildlife Biology?

The Master of Wildlife Biology program equips students with the understanding and knowledge to solve challenges facing wildlife, society, and ecosystems today. Students can customize their program to suit their personal and professional interests, making it ideal for international and domestic students seeking academic excellence in an efficient, active, flexible, and individualized learning program.

Degree Details

The Master of Wildlife Biology is a one-year, course-based program (three semesters, or 12 months), starting in the fall semester. Students complete three core courses, three to four elective courses, and a practicum placement in the third semester. Students can customize their certifications and electives to meet their chosen specialization in one of the following three fields:

• Wildlife Rehabilitation
• Wildlife Conservation
• Biomonitoring

Wildlife Rehabilitation

Wildlife rehabilitation involves the care and management of orphaned, sick, hurt, or otherwise impaired wildlife, with the purpose of restoring their health and increasing their survivability in the wild. Students gain practical rehabilitation experience, technical skills, and hands-on training.

Wildlife Conservation

Wildlife conservation focuses on skills, policy, and procedures that serve to protect and preserve wildlife in Canada and beyond. Students learn strategies and tools for the preservation of biodiversity at multiple scales and in the context of rapid human-environmental change.

Biomonitoring

Biomonitoring focuses on the observation and assessment of the state of species and ecosystems over time. Students learn research methods and technical skills, including statistical analysis, assessment of the health of a population or environment, and monitoring techniques for individual species and whole ecosystems.

Hands-on Training and Skill Development

As part of this program, students develop personal career goals and seek training in their chosen field. Students dedicate course time to gaining certifications and training in specific technical skills unique to their desired career path in two major ways:

Independent Pathways Portfolio

Through the Professional Skills and Qualifications in Wildlife Biology course, students spend three semesters developing an Independent Pathways Portfolio (IPP). Students work with professionals and course instructors to identify skills and experiences important to their desired careers.

Practicum Placements

All students complete either a practicum placement or major research project relevant to their chosen field within wildlife biology in their final semester. The program helps students identify and reach out to wildlife biology organizations that suit each individual student's career path.

Master of Wildlife Biology Courses

The core courses for the Master of Wildlife Biology program provide a wide baseline of knowledge in wildlife biology, transferrable skills, and experiential learning opportunities. The University of Guelph's high-ranking position as a leading institution in wildlife biology means that students have a wide range of electives to choose from.

• Professional Skills & Qualifications in Wildlife Biology (BIOL *6100)
• Emerging Problems and Opportunities in Wildlife Biology (BIOL*6110)
• Communications and Outreach in Biology (UNIV*6120)
• Practicum or Major Research Project in Wildlife Biology (BIOL*6130)
• Wildlife Rehabilitation in Practice (BIOL*6150)
• Applied Field Biology (BIOL*6140)
• Chemical Immobilization of Free-Ranging Wildlife (BIOL*6160)
• Stress and Resilience in the Anthropocene (BIOL*6170)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Eligibility and Application Questions

• Is there an application deadline for the MWB program?
  • Yes, applications are due May 1 for domestic students and March 1 for international students.
• What documents do I need to submit for my MWB application?
  • The program requires your application, unofficial transcripts, and any relevant supporting documents.
• Do I need to contact a faculty advisor before applying for this program?
  • No, this program is course-based and allows for students to apply and join the program without having first contacted and been approved by a faculty advisor.
• What kind of references should be used in the application?
  • If you have relevant work experience, you are welcome to use a professional reference and an academic reference.
• I have accepted my offer, how do I register and select courses, pay tuition, etc.?
  • Please see the Schedule of Dates in the Graduate Calendar to see when course selection opens/ends.
• I have accepted my offer, where do I send my final transcripts?
  • Official and final transcripts must be submitted before the 14th class day of the Fall semester.
• When can I start the MWB program?
  • Students can only start the MWB program on the first day of classes in September of each calendar year.

International Student Questions

• If I completed my previous degree(s) outside of Canada, how do I determine my eligibility for this program?
  • Please visit the International Credential Guidelines to determine information regarding eligibility and approximate GPA.
• How do international students apply for a study permit?
  • Please use the official offer of admission to apply for your study permit.
• Do international applicants need to submit English proficiency test scores?
  • English proficiency test scores are not required for applicants whose first language is English.
• Can international students apply for work permits following graduation from this program?
  • Please contact the University of Guelph International Student Advisor for information regarding post-graduation work permits.

Program Funding

• Will I have funding during the Master of Wildlife Biology program?
  • No, Master of Wildlife Biology students will not receive a minimum stipend for this program.
• Will I be able to apply for graduate teaching assistantships (GTA) during my degree?
  • Yes, it is a campus-wide policy that any student enrolled in a graduate program can apply for graduate teaching assistantships.
• Can I work full-time during the MWB program?
  • We strongly discourage attempts to work full time while completing the MWB program.
• Are there any funding opportunities that I can apply for through the University of Guelph?
  • Yes, but there are limited opportunities for students in course-based master's programs.