Fisheries and Wildlife Management

Earn a fisheries and wildlife degree for conservation and research.

The Fisheries and Wildlife Management concentration within Western Colorado University’s Master of Science in Ecology prepares students for careers in the conservation and management of aquatic and terrestrial species. This fisheries and wildlife management degree blends ecological theory, field research, and applied management skills to help students address real-world challenges in wildlife, fisheries, habitat, and ecosystem conservation.

Students complete a 33-credit, thesis-based pathway focused on graduate-level research and science-based decision-making. With access to Colorado’s diverse ecosystems, students build skills in fisheries assessment, wildlife monitoring, ecological data analysis, and scientific communication while preparing for careers in conservation agencies, research organizations, land management, and natural resource fields.

What Is Fisheries and Wildlife Management?

Fisheries and wildlife management focuses on the conservation, study, and management of fish, wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems. Students in fisheries and wildlife programs learn how to assess species populations, monitor habitats, evaluate ecological data, and apply science to conservation and management decisions.

This field prepares graduates to work with aquatic and terrestrial species in roles related to wildlife biology, fisheries biology, habitat restoration, conservation planning, and natural resource management.

Why Choose Fisheries and Wildlife Management?

The Fisheries and Wildlife Management concentration is designed for students who want to study aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems through hands-on research and field-based learning. Students gain experience addressing issues such as habitat loss, species conservation, ecosystem change, and sustainable management.

This thesis-based pathway prepares students to conduct original ecological research while developing practical skills for careers in fisheries management, wildlife management, conservation science, and environmental policy.

Real-World Experience in Ecology

Western’s experiential learning approach helps ecology students apply their scientific skills in real-world settings. Through field-based research, community partnerships, agency collaboration, and applied conservation projects, students gain practical experience that strengthens both their research portfolio and professional readiness.

• 

  Research in Your Backyard

  Master of Science in Ecology students complete a thesis project of their choice, work with local partners, and apply for grant funding to transform their ideas into tangible outcomes.

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Fisheries and Wildlife Thesis Experience

Students in the Fisheries and Wildlife Management concentration complete a thesis project that allows them to investigate a research question related to fish, wildlife, habitat, or ecosystem management. Working closely with faculty mentors, students design research projects, collect and analyze data, and communicate findings to scientific and non-scientific audiences.

The 33-credit curriculum includes coursework in ecology, wildlife and fisheries management, research methods, and thesis development. Field-based learning experiences give students hands-on preparation for professional and research roles in conservation and natural resource management.

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 MS in Ecology

Careers in Fisheries and Wildlife Management

Graduates of a fisheries and wildlife management degree are prepared for careers in conservation, wildlife biology, fisheries biology, habitat restoration, and natural resource management. This thesis-based ecology pathway builds skills in field research, species monitoring, data analysis, and science-based conservation planning.

Common career paths include:

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

Graduates work in:

• Wildlife agencies
• Fisheries and aquatic resource programs
• Conservation organizations
• Government agencies
• Land management agencies
• Research institutions
• Environmental consulting firms

Fisheries and Wildlife Management FAQs

What is fisheries and wildlife management?

Fisheries and wildlife management focuses on conserving and managing fish, wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems through field research, population monitoring, data analysis, and science-based decision-making.

Is this a thesis-based program?

Yes. The Fisheries and Wildlife Management concentration is a thesis-based pathway within the MS in Ecology. Students complete original ecological research related to fish, wildlife, habitat, or ecosystem management.

What can you do with a fisheries and wildlife management degree?

Graduates pursue careers as fisheries biologists, wildlife biologists, wildlife managers, conservation scientists, habitat restoration specialists, research ecologists, and natural resource specialists.

How long does the Fisheries and Wildlife Management concentration take?

The concentration is a 33-credit program designed to be completed in two years.

What skills do students gain in this concentration?

Students build skills in wildlife monitoring, fisheries assessment, ecological data analysis, field research, scientific communication, and conservation planning.

Admissions, Cost & Requirements

Admissions

Tuition & Costs

Program Requirements

MS in Ecology Application 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

MS in Ecology Tuition & Fees

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

Master of Science

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

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.

Learn More

How to Apply

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.

Apply Now

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Faculty & Staff

Rebecca Anderson

Program Assistant for MEM and OSP

Jared Balik, PhD

Post Doctoral Research Associate

Ian Breckheimer, PhD

Adjunct Faculty; Research Scientist in Spatial Ecology and Data Synthesis, Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory

Hannah M. Carroll, PhD

Assistant Professor of Environmental Science and Ecology

Jonathan Coop, PhD

Professor of Environment and Sustainability

Jennie DeMarco

MSE Graduate Advisor

Lindsay Dolezal

Program Facilitator and Grants Administrator

Derek D. Houston, PhD

Assistant Professor of Biology

Madelon Van de Kerk, PhD

Director of MS in Ecology; Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology

Patrick Magee, BA, PhD

Professor of Biology

Micah Russell, MS, PhD

Clark Family School Dean

Ricardo Vazquez-Perales, PhD

Assistant Professor of Environment and Sustainability, Sustainable and Resilient Communities Director

Susan Washko, PhD

Lecturer

MS in Ecology

Program Director

• Madelon Van de Kerk

• Director of MS in Ecology; Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology

Graduate Program Facilitator

• Lindsay Dolezal

• Program Facilitator and Grants Administrator

Dean of Clark Family School

• Micah Russell

• Clark Family School Dean

Contact Information

970.943.2248

msecology@western.edu

Contact Location

1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81230