Wildlife Biology

College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Department of Biology and Wildlife
(907) 474-7671
www.bw.uaf.edu

B.S., M.S. Degree

Minimum Requirements for Degree: 30 credits

Downloadable PDF (PDF 82K)

The geographic location of the university is particularly advantageous for the study of wildlife biology. Spruce forest, aspen-birch forest, alpine tundra, bogs and several types of aquatic habitats are within easy reach. Studies can be made in many other habitats ranging from the dense forests of southeastern Alaska to arctic tundra.

Adequate study collections of plants and animals are available, and a 2,000-acre study area is near the campus. Wildlife biology students have ample opportunity for close association with the personnel of the Alaska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Institute of Arctic Biology and several local offices of federal and state conservation agencies. These agencies often provide support for graduate student projects, and program faculty usually hire a number of students for summer field work. Exceptional opportunities are available for students to gain experience and make job connections.

The Department of Biology and Wildlife, the Institute of Arctic Biology, and the Alaska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit cooperate in offering graduate work leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Detailed information on the graduate program in wildlife biology and management is available from the wildlife program faculty chair.

The Alaska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and Institute of Arctic Biology offer a limited number of research assistantships. Teaching assistantships are available in the Department of Biology and Wildlife.

Graduate Program--M.S. Degree

1. Complete the following admission requirement:
   1. Submit scores from both the GRE general test (required) and the GRE subject test in biology (highly recommended).
   2. If English is not your native language, submit scores from both the Test of Spoken English (TSE) and the Test of Written English (TWE), as well as TOEFL scores. Requests, including justification, for exceptions to this requirement should be made to the chair of the department..
2. Complete the general university requirements.
3. Complete the M.S.--with Thesis degree requirements.*
4. As part of the M.S. degree requirements, complete and pass the departmental written and oral masters comprehensive examination.
5. Minimum credits required--30 credits

* Students working in subject areas involving significant non-English literature will be expected to read the appropriate foreign language.

See Biological Sciences for Ph.D. program.

See Wildlife Biology.