Wildlife Ecology and Management
Master of Science
Use your master's degree to lead efforts
in a career focused on wildlife management.
Our online Wildlife Ecology and Management program is your stepping stone to a rewarding career that balances your love for nature with practical skills. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of essential topics such as biodiversity conservation, ecosystem health, and human-wildlife coexistence. Unity is a leader in sustainable degrees and graduates of this program are well-equipped for diverse career paths, including roles as wildlife biologists, conservation scientists, and environmental consultants. Our wildlife ecology and management curriculum emphasizes cutting-edge research methodologies and analytical skills, preparing you for impactful positions in government agencies, non-profits, and academic institutions.
In the MS in Wildlife Ecology and Management program you'll learn to:
- Evaluate the foundational ideas and key assumptions in effective wildlife management practices
- Understand the complex factors that influence wildlife communities and their ecosystems
- Apply transdisciplinary approaches to tackle wildlife management challenges and assess potential solutions
- Employ analytical tools to address various topics in wildlife ecology and management
- Enhance decision-making abilities to address complex socio-ecological issues within wildlife management contexts
Career Outlook
What can I do with a master's in conservation?
Careers for Wildlife Ecology and Management graduates.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists jobs in the U.S., 2022.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists average pay, 2022.
Estimated U.S. job growth for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists through 2032.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists jobs in the U.S., 2022.
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists average pay, 2022.
Estimated U.S. job growth for Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists through 2032.
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics/O-Net. Unity Environmental University cannot guarantee employment. Salary data represents averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience.
Examples of online coursework in wildlife ecology and management:
Wildlife Ecology and Management
This course covers key ecological concepts and management principles for free-ranging animal populations, including community and population ecology, habitat management, and human dimensions. Topics include game and non-game management, species recovery, and nuisance wildlife, focusing on current issues faced by wildlife managers.
Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management
This course considers the human dimensions aspects of wildlife management. Topics include approaches to involvement of interested parties in management, conflict resolution, and decision-making approaches through case studies and human-dimensions research. You will learn principles that are needed to find science-based and socially acceptable solutions to wildlife management problems.
Wildlife Research Techniques
This course teaches essential wildlife research techniques, including field and lab methods. You will focus on data collection, analysis, and interpretation, preparing for research-based careers and further academic pursuits in wildlife ecology and management.
Degree requirements and courses needed to earn a wildlife master's
The Master's in Wildlife Ecology and Management degree requires 30 credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA. For more requirements, view our full course catalog.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Wildlife Ecology and Management?
Wildlife Ecology and Management is the science of understanding, managing, and preserving wildlife populations and their natural habitats. This field combines ecological principles with conservation strategies to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem health. As a wildlife conservationist, you study the complex interactions within ecosystems, focusing on how wildlife species interact with each other and their environment. You assess the impacts of human activities on these natural systems and develop plans to mitigate negative effects, ensuring sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Earning an MPS in Wildlife Ecology and Management is vital for maintaining the balance of our natural world. By studying and protecting wildlife, you contribute to ecosystem stability, climate change mitigation, and food security. This field also emphasizes the ethical responsibility to preserve wildlife for future generations and the intrinsic value of all living beings.
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What is a Master's of Science in Wildlife Ecology and Management
The MS in Wildlife Ecology and Management provides students with an advanced understanding of ecological concepts and essential research skills necessary for wildlife management. Students study the latest scientific advances in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, landscape ecology, and research methodologies. Through interactive coursework, students develop skills in spatial and quantitative analysis, experimental design, data interpretation, conflict-resolution and decision-making, communication, and how to effectively engage with diverse audiences interested in wildlife, ecology conservation, and management.
The program emphasizes mastering research fundamentals, methodologies, and design to prepare graduates for research-based jobs and further graduate education. Graduates are prepared to take on research and leadership roles in state and federal government agencies, conservation organizations, and academic institutes to sustainably manage wildlife and their habitats, both locally and globally.
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What is a Master of Science (MS) degree?
The MS degree is a traditional graduate program focused on deepening scientific understanding through research and academic study. Students typically specialize in a particular field of science and learn the research skills related to their discipline.
The MS program is centered around developing a strong foundation in research and scientific inquiry:
- Research Methodology: Students learn how to design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and interpret results within the context of their scientific discipline.
- Critical Thinking: The program emphasizes the ability to think analytically and critically about scientific problems, forming the basis for sound research and decision-making.
- Technical Expertise: Depending on the field of study, students may acquire advanced technical skills in areas such as data collection techniques, fieldwork, GIS mapping, computational modeling, or statistical analysis.
- Academic Writing: The ability to write clearly and effectively is honed, particularly through the process of producing a thesis or research papers suitable for publication.
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What courses will I take to earn a Master's in Wildlife Ecology and Management?
Research Core: 15 credits
- RSCH 510 Research Fundamentals
- MATH 510 Tools and Technologies for Data Analysis
- MATH 525 Quantitative Research Design and Statistics
- GISC 505 GIS & Remote Sensing for Environmental Solutions
- RSCH 610 Research Communication
Major Program Core: 15 credits
- SNRM 505 Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management
- SNRM 507 Wildlife Ecology and Management
- SNRM 510 Landscape Ecology
- SNRM 515 Conservation Ecology
- SNRM 650 Wildlife Research Techniques
For a better look into your program, view our full course catalog. Then apply online for free to get started.
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How fast can I finish my online MS in Wildlife Ecology and Management?
The timeframe for completion is up to you! Enroll in 6 credits per term and complete the program in one year. Alternatively, opt for part-time study by taking one course at a time. Whichever path you choose, we’re here to support your educational journey every step of the way. Contact your concierge or advisor to create your personalized plan.
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How much does it cost to receive an MS in Wildlife Ecology and Management?
Your online education should be affordable and manageable. Thanks to our promise to keep tuition flat through 2030, you won't be burdened with unexpected increases or fees.
Our team of distance education concierges will work with you through the admissions process to help you plan and pay for your degree. Learn more about the costs here.
Why Unity for your master's in wildlife ecology degree
Career Focus – Unity ranks in the top 2% of colleges for social mobility according to CollegeNET. Demand for employees with green skills is growing daily, and the sustainability core in every master’s program at Unity means that you’ll graduate with an environmental consciousness applicable to every career path.
Earn While You Learn – Our asynchronous model is designed to provide flexibility, allowing you to balance your studies with professional and personal commitments.
World Renowned Faculty – Learn from faculty who are working in their field, bringing their professional network and real-world insights into the virtual classroom, fostering valuable connections for your future career.
Applied Learning – You’ll be required to engage your local community and environment while completing your master’s degree, giving you practical, hands-on experience while allowing you to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world solutions.
Personalized Support – You can rely on one-on-one professional advising, career support from your first day, unlimited mental health counseling, and more.
Ready to learn more about the MS in Wildlife Ecology and Management degree?
Fill out the form below to speak with someone at Unity about our Distance Education programs. We look forward to hearing from you!
