Master's Degree in Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
This master's degree teaches advanced knowledge in wildlife and wildlands science and management, preparing students for careers in conservation, research, and environmental management in the United States.
About
This Master's Degree in Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management is designed for students interested in deepening their understanding of ecology, wildlife biology, and natural resource management. It suits those who want to work in conservation, environmental consulting, or research related to wild animals and their habitats.
- The program typically lasts 1 to 2 years and is offered by universities in the United States.
- It prepares graduates to become wildlife biologists, conservation scientists, or natural resource managers.
- Students learn to analyze ecosystems, manage habitats, and develop conservation plans.
- The degree combines scientific knowledge with practical skills to address environmental challenges.
- It is suitable for those who have completed a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or related fields.
What you study
The curriculum covers a range of subjects focused on wildlife and ecosystem management. Students build their knowledge progressively, starting with foundational courses and moving to specialized topics.
- Core subjects include wildlife ecology, habitat management, and conservation biology.
- Students study population dynamics, environmental policy, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for mapping and analysis.
- Practical work involves field studies, data collection, and habitat assessment.
- Many programs include a research thesis or project to apply scientific methods.
- Courses often emphasize interdisciplinary approaches combining biology, environmental science, and management techniques.
- The balance between lectures and hands-on experience helps students prepare for real-world conservation challenges.
How to get in
Admission to this master's degree requires a relevant bachelor's degree and a formal application process common in the US higher education system.
- Applicants usually need a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or related areas.
- Universities require submission of transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
- Some programs may ask for GRE scores, but this varies by institution.
- Experience in fieldwork or research can strengthen the application.
- The process is competitive, seeking candidates motivated by conservation and scientific research.
Day to day
A typical year in this master's program mixes coursework, research, and practical experiences to develop skills in wildlife management.
- Students attend lectures and seminars on ecological theory and management techniques.
- Fieldwork and laboratory sessions are regular parts of the curriculum to practice data collection and analysis.
- Many programs require a research project or thesis, which involves independent study and close work with faculty.
- Internships or practical placements with conservation organizations may be encouraged or required.
- The workload includes reading scientific literature, writing reports, and presenting findings.
Careers this degree leads to
Graduates can find jobs in various sectors related to wildlife and environmental management, though the job market can be competitive.
- Common roles include wildlife biologist, environmental consultant, and conservation manager.
- Employers include government agencies, non-profit organizations, and environmental firms.
- The degree supports careers in natural resource management and environmental education.
- Many graduates work on habitat restoration, species monitoring, or policy development.
- Employment often requires adaptability and willingness to work outdoors in varied conditions.
Continuing your studies
After completing this master's, students may continue their studies or shift their focus within environmental sciences.
- Some pursue a PhD in ecology, wildlife biology, or environmental science for research careers.
- Others may specialize further through certificates or professional training in environmental law or policy.
- There are opportunities to move into related fields like forestry or marine biology depending on interests.
Where to study this degree (103)
Liste des 103 établissements
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Community CollegePerkinston
- Abraham Baldwin Agricultural CollegeTifton
- Lincoln Memorial UniversityHarrogate
- Paris Junior CollegeParis
- Cal Poly HumboldtArcata
- University of Wisconsin–Stevens PointStevens Point
- University of California-DavisDavis
- Tarleton State UniversityStephenville
- Virginia TechBlacksburg
- Front Range Community CollegeWestminster
- Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing
- West Virginia UniversityMorgantown
- The University of MontanaMissoula
- Mississippi State UniversityStarkville
- University of Rhode IslandKingston
- University of FloridaGainesville
- Clemson UniversityClemson
- Delaware Valley CollegeDoylestown
- Auburn UniversityAuburn
- Hocking CollegeNelsonville
- University of Nevada, RenoReno
- University of GeorgiaAthens
- Oregon State UniversityCorvallis
- Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville
- University of MaineOrono
- South Dakota State UniversityBrookings
- University of Tennessee at KnoxvilleKnoxville
- University of DelawareNewark
- Murray State UniversityMurray
- University of New HampshireDurham
- Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff
- Bemidji State UniversityBemidji
- Texas A&M University – KingsvilleKingsville
- SUNY CobleskillCobleskill
- New Mexico State UniversityLas Cruces
- Missouri Western State UniversitySaint Joseph
- Otterbein UniversityWesterville
- University of IdahoMoscow
- American Public University SystemCharles Town
- Missouri State UniversitySpringfield
- University of Wisconsin–MadisonMadison
- Paul Smith's CollegePaul Smiths
- Texas Tech UniversityLubbock
- Finger Lakes Community CollegeCanandaigua
- Michigan Technological UniversityHoughton
- East Texas A&M UniversityCommerce
- Brigham Young University - IdahoRexburg
- Hibbing Community CollegeHibbing
- Southwest Texas Junior CollegeUvalde
- University of Alaska FairbanksFairbanks
- Haywood Community CollegeClyde
- Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBoisDuBois
- Pennsylvania Western UniversityCalifornia
- Valley City State UniversityValley City
- Unity CollegeNew Gloucester
- Garrett CollegeMcHenry
- University of ArizonaTucson
- Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro
- Arkansas Tech UniversityRussellville
- Eastern Kentucky UniversityRichmond
- Montana State UniversityBozeman
- Western New Mexico UniversitySilver City
- Zane State CollegeZanesville
- Oregon Coast Community CollegeNewport
- University of Puerto Rico-HumacaoHumacao
- Florida Keys Community CollegeKey West
- Frostburg State UniversityFrostburg
- McNeese State UniversityLake Charles
- College of the OzarksPoint Lookout
- Juniata CollegeHuntingdon
- Spokane Community CollegeSpokane
- Northwest Missouri State UniversityMaryville
- Sul Ross State UniversityAlpine
- Casper CollegeCasper
- Brigham Young UniversityProvo
- Butte CollegeOroville
- Treasure Valley Community CollegeOntario
- Stephen F. Austin State UniversityNacogdoches
- Southeastern Illinois CollegeHarrisburg
- East Mississippi Community CollegeScooba
- Linn Benton Community CollegeAlbany
- University of Alaska SoutheastJuneau
- Eastern New Mexico UniversityPortales
- Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe
- Iowa State UniversityAmes
- Salish Kootenai CollegePablo
- Dakota Wesleyan UniversityMitchell
- Dakota College at BottineauBottineau
- Eastern Wyoming CollegeTorrington
- Shawnee Community CollegeUllin
- Oregon State University CascadesBend
- Utah State UniversityLogan
- Friends UniversityWichita
- South Plains CollegeLevelland
- Austin Community CollegeAustin
- University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle
- Holmes Community CollegeGoodman
- Southern Arkansas University TechCamden
- Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station
- Miles Community CollegeMiles City
- University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley
- Washington State UniversityPullman
- Snow CollegeEphraim
Frequently asked questions
What background is needed to apply for this master's degree?
Applicants usually need a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or a related field. Experience with fieldwork or environmental studies can be helpful.
How long does the program typically last?
The program generally takes between one and two years to complete, depending on the university and whether the student studies full-time.
Are there practical experiences included in the program?
Yes, students engage in fieldwork, laboratory sessions, and often complete a research project or thesis to apply their knowledge.
Can this degree lead to a PhD?
Yes, many graduates continue their studies with a PhD in ecology, wildlife biology, or environmental science to pursue research careers.
Is it possible to work while studying this master's degree?
While some programs may offer internships, the degree itself is usually full-time and does not commonly include formal work-study or alternance options.
What types of jobs can I get after this degree?
Graduates often work as wildlife biologists, conservation scientists, environmental consultants, or natural resource managers in various sectors.
How competitive is admission to this program?
Admission is selective, with universities looking for strong academic records and motivation in conservation and environmental science.
Are there specific skills I will gain during the program?
Students develop skills in ecological research, habitat management, data analysis using GIS, and scientific communication.


























