Master of Science (M.S.) Major in Wildlife Ecology

The Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a major in in wildlife ecology is a thesis-based degree with an emphasis on the application of ecological principles to studies in the fields of wildlife ecology and natural resource management.The master’s program in wildlife ecology at Texas State University has a long history of cooperation with agencies such as Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and non-governmental organizations, providing students with access to contemporary wildlife research and potential employment opportunities. Wildlife ecology, as an area of study and concern, has grown in the U.S. and Texas over the last 50 years to play a major role in developing decisions on land and water use, wildlife populations, and recreation. Wildlife issues are no longer confined to hunting, fishing, and agricultural pursuits, but also encompass much larger issues in energy sources, urban and suburban development, overpopulation of some species, threatened and endangered species, water use, and availability, and coastal development, among others. Nowhere is this more pronounced than in Central Texas. The Wildlife Ecology program aims to find solutions to these issues.Graduates of the master of science (M.S.) degree have pursued doctoral degrees or obtained employment in a variety of professions. Examples include employment as biologists with state and federal resource agencies, non-governmental agencies, and environmental consulting firms. Graduates have also pursued careers in education as high school biology teachers or instructors at community colleges.