Fisheries and Wildlife Management - Ecology - Western Colorado University

Part of: MS in Ecology, Clark Family School of Environment & Sustainability, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Master's Concentration

Degree: Master of Science in Ecology

Related Areas of Study: Ecology & Conservation, Ecology, Ecosystem Restoration

Part of: MS in Ecology, Clark Family School of Environment & Sustainability, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Master's Concentration

Degree: Master of Science in Ecology

Related Areas of Study: Ecology & Conservation, Ecology, Ecosystem Restoration

The Fisheries and Wildlife Management concentration prepares students for careers and research in the conservation and management of aquatic and terrestrial species. Blending ecological theory with practical skills, the program emphasizes graduate-level understanding of fisheries and wildlife systems, informed by Western’s liberal arts tradition and access to the diverse ecosystems of Colorado’s western slope.

This 33-credit track includes coursework in biology, management, research methods, and thesis development. Students engage in original ecological research while applying scientific knowledge to real-world management decisions with broad ecological, ethical, and socioeconomic implications.

The Fisheries and Wildlife Management concentration offers a unique opportunity to combine a deep understanding of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems with hands-on management skills. Students gain expertise in fisheries and wildlife management, addressing pressing environmental issues such as habitat loss, species conservation, and sustainable management practices. The program is designed to develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, equipping students to make a significant impact in the field.

Moreover, the program takes full advantage of Colorado’s rich ecosystems, offering students valuable fieldwork experiences and opportunities for ecological research. Whether you’re looking to influence conservation policy or directly manage wildlife and fisheries resources, this program prepares you to be a leader in these essential fields.

In this program, you’ll engage in comprehensive coursework that covers ecology, wildlife, and fisheries management, with a focus on both theoretical and applied research methods. You’ll learn to design and conduct research projects, analyze data, and communicate findings to both scientific and non-scientific audiences. The program culminates in the completion of an MS Thesis, providing an opportunity to dive deep into a research project of your choice.

You can also expect to work closely with faculty mentors who provide guidance throughout your thesis development, helping you refine your research and ensure it has practical applications in the real world. Field-based learning experiences will complement classroom learning, giving you hands-on experience in some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in North America.

Admissions, Cost & Requirements

Prerequisites

BA or BS degree in biology or related field with college courses in Statistics and upper-level Ecology with a minimum grade of B, completed prior to the student’s first fall in the program.

Application Materials

Admissions packages will include:

Academic transcripts
A resume outlining related research, leadership, and volunteer experience
A statement of purpose describing the student’s intellectual and professional interests in ecology
Three letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors in related fields
Applicants are expected to have been in contact with a faculty advisor prior to submission of application

Application review will begin February 1, with initial acceptance and offers soon thereafter. Later applications may be considered on a rolling basis, depending on faculty availability. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us.

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Program Information

Period	Credits	Tuition per Credit	Fees per Credit Hour*	Flat Fees**	Total Tuition & Fees
Year 1: Fall	9	$847	$73.40	$50	$8,333.60
Year 1: Spring	9	$847	$73.40		$8,283.60
Year 1: Summer	3	$847	$73.40		$2,761.20
Year 2: Fall	6	$847	$73.40		$5,522.40
Year 2: Spring	6	$847	$73.40		$5,522.40
Total	33				$30,423.20

*Mandatory graduate student fees per credit hour
Graduate Studies Administrative Operations Fee: $63.00
Library Fee: $6.50
IT Services Fee: $3.90

**Mandatory graduate student flat fees
New Student Matriculation Fee: $50.00

Biology Course Flat Fees	Fee
BIOL 620: Ornithology	$70.00
BIOL 622: Mammalogy	$20.00
BIOL 625: Invertebrate Zoology	$50.00
BIOL 627: Field Entomology	$50.00
BIOL 630: Wildlife Ecology	$110.00
BIOL 631: Wildlife Techniques Workshop	$100.00
BIOL 652: Botany	$25.00
BIOL 653: Rocky Mountain Flora	$55.00
BIOL 668: Ichthyology	$45.00
BIOL 670: Fisheries Management	$40.00
BIOL 676: Aquatic Ecology	$50.00
BIOL 681: Forest Ecology	$50.00
BIOL 697: Geomorphology	$75.00
BIOL 697: Environmental Geochemistry	$50.00

A master’s degree is an advanced qualification earned after completing a bachelor’s degree. It focuses on a specific area of study and provides specialized knowledge and skills. This differs from a concentration, which is a more focused area within the master’s program. Your concentration determines the specialized courses you take, shaping your expertise in a particular field. To complete a master’s degree, students must fulfill core coursework, elective requirements, and often a final project, thesis, or practicum.

Program Requirements

Wildlife Monitoring
Ecological Data Analysis
Fisheries Assessment
Field Research Techniques
Scientific Communication
Policy Interpretation

Fisheries Biologist
Wildlife Manager
Environmental Policy Advisor
Conservation Scientist
Habitat Restoration Specialist
Research Ecologist

Fellowships, Scholarships, & Financial Aid

MS in Ecology Fellowships, Grants, and Scholarships

Explore a variety of fellowships, grants, and scholarships available to support your MS in Ecology at Western Colorado University. Opportunities include teaching assistantships, digital internships, social media fellowships, and statistics peer tutor positions.

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Graduate Financial Aid

Graduate students at Western receive financial support from various sources, including personal savings, loans, scholarships, fellowships, and graduate assistantships. Learn more ways to offset these costs through financial aid opportunities.

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We are so excited about your interest in applying to the MS in Ecology! Please take a moment to review the application requirements and deadlines and then access the application.

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We can produce high-quality research and publish papers in scientific journals with our students. We’re out on the cutting edge of our field learning the things we don’t know yet.

Jonathan Coop, PhD.

Faculty, 2010 Ecology

msecology@western.edu

1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81230

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MS in Ecology Fellowships, Grants, and Scholarships

Graduate Financial Aid

Jonathan Coop, PhD.

Verzuh Ranch: Where Conservation Meets Education

Western Graduate Students, Faculty Member Receive Distinguished Achievement Award

Western’s Clark School wins grant to help add value to internships

Rebecca Anderson

Jared Balik, PhD

Ian Breckheimer, PhD

Hannah M. Carroll, PhD

Jonathan Coop, PhD

Jennie DeMarco

Lindsay Dolezal

Derek D. Houston, PhD

Madelon Van de Kerk, PhD

Patrick Magee, BA, PhD

Micah Russell, MS, PhD

Susan Washko, PhD

Program Director

Graduate Program Facilitator

Dean of Clark Family School