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Wildlife Ecology and Conservation—MS

Our program focuses on the relationships between wildlife, habitats, and human impacts. We study species management, ecosystem resilience, and conservation strategies to protect global biodiversity. Are you ready to make a difference in wildlife conservation? Are you ready?

Program Overview

Human activity significantly impacts wildlife and their habitats, threatening biodiversity. At Michigan Tech, our master's in wildlife ecology and conservation addresses these challenges. We monitor species health, study habitat dynamics, and develop conservation strategies. Our fieldwork spans various ecosystems and taxonomic groups, from tropical songbirds to large carnivores, providing hands-on research opportunities. We're proud to host the Isle Royale Wolf and Moose Study, the world’s longest continuous study of a predator-prey relationship.

Delivery Options
- On-Campus: MS

Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Program Details

Choose a specific degree option or delivery type to learn more about the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation program at Michigan Tech. For international students, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation is a designated STEM program.

On-Campus Programs

MS, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation: Thesis Option

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	20 Credits
Thesis research	6-10 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation: Report Option

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in twelve months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in coursework other than the project:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	24 Credits
Report	2-6 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation: Coursework Option

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate School. See degree requirements for more information.

A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree and may require more than the minimum credits listed here:

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	18 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Additional Program Information

Want to learn more about wildlife ecology and conservation at Michigan Tech? Visit the department for more information:

Contact

Graduate Director

Molly Cavaleri

Graduate Assistant

Marjorie Banovetz

Sample Areas of Interest

Select areas of interest to help customize your wildlife ecology and conservation MS. Sample areas include:

Conservation Genetics
Mammalian Ecology
Nutrient Cycling
Tree Physiology Ecology

View full listing for this program

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts or test scores are needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps. International applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

See Admissions Steps

Graduate School Admissions Options

Michigan Tech offers several admissions options in order to meet the educational needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. Students should review the options available to them and apply for the program that will best help them achieve their personal educational goals.

See Admissions Options

Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Student Statements

Official Transcripts

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific

3 Letters of Recommendation (1 Letter of Recommendation for Michigan Tech students)
Résumé / Curriculum vitae
GRE not required
Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
Please view our faculty webpage and identify three faculty members that you would like to work with

International Students

TOEFL: Required Minimum Score of 79 iBT
IELTS: Required Minimum Overall Band Score of 6.5

Michigan Tech requires a minimum 79 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis.

Recommended Deadline

Apply at least a semester in advance of projected admission to improve your chances of receiving funding.

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Accredited by HLC

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928. Our Graduate School offers over 125 certificates, master's, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.

Who You'll Work With

From monitoring coyote populations and banding birds to studying zoonotic diseases and developing conservation strategies, our faculty are collaborative and interdisciplinary. They'll work with you to create a program that aligns with your career goals.

Where You'll Work

Michigan Tech is located in a region where diverse forests transition from northern hardwoods to boreal forests, providing a unique opportunity to study a wide range of wildlife. Our campus is surrounded by vast forested areas and rich biodiversity. We also conduct active research in forest systems around the world, including neotropical and afrotropical regions, offering a global perspective on wildlife ecology and conservation.

Faculty Spotlight

Kristin Brzkeski

Kristin Brzeski

Assistant Professor

"By uncovering genetic diversity and hidden ancestry, we can better protect and preserve biodiversity in our rapidly changing world."

Dr. Kristin Brzeski uses cutting-edge genetic techniques to study a diverse array of wildlife, from Isle Royale wolves and black bears to uncovering "ghost" ancestry of red wolves within wild canine populations in the Gulf Coast. Her research focuses on developing conservation strategies to protect biodiversity in a world increasingly characterized by human domination and rapid environmental change. Dr. Brzeski's work exemplifies our commitment to innovative, interdisciplinary approaches in wildlife ecology and conservation.

Program Faculty