Wildlife (WLDM) 

MS Renewable Natural Resources

Most graduates with a Master of Science degree with a concentration in Wildlife accept initial jobs as biologists/managers with government agencies that oversee the stewardship of wildlife resources – especially the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (and other similar state agencies), Department of Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Quality, and the like. A growing segment of graduates have taken jobs as private environmental consultants or work for non-governmental agencies (NGOs). Recent graduates have taken jobs with The Nature Conservancy, Audubon Society, Ducks Unlimited, and the National Rifle Association, just to name a few such NGOs.

Our degree program, like most M.S. degrees in Natural Resources, has students continue knowledge-based learning in graduate classes, but much of a student’s effort is focused on learning the scientific method and problem solving by completing research on a topic that they select with input from their graduate advisor. Recent students have worked on the breeding biology of northern pintails, white-tailed deer nutrition, describing the unique ecology of tropical forests in Peru, evaluating reintroduction methods for endangered black bears, assessing restoration of coastal marsh, and dozens of other exciting projects. Prospective students are urged to contact faculty members whose research addresses resources and issues that the student hopes to study. Below are the requirements for students seeking a Master of Science in Renewable Natural Resources with an area of concentration in Wildlife.

The Wildlife AOC will require a minimum of 9 hours of coursework in addition to the general 9-hour requirement for all M.S. students in the School. The following courses, or demonstration to the student’s Graduate Committee of proficiency in one or more of these courses from previous coursework and experience, are required, and may be included in the 9 hours required for this AOC: