The Department of WFSC at TAMU is the largest of its kind in the United States, and perhaps in the world. At present, the department has 143 graduate students and 400+ undergraduate majors. The department offers the Master Wildlife Science (MWS; non-thesis), Master of Natural Resource Development (MNRD; non-thesis), Master of Science (M.S.; thesis) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences.
Scholarly research is the hallmark of studies leading to the M.S. (thesis option) and Ph.D. degrees. Each candidate must propose and conduct an original scientific investigation, which becomes the basis for the M.S. thesis or Ph.D. dissertation. The research and writing experience, together with appropriate coursework, prepares graduates for careers in research, college teaching and other scholarly endeavors.
For graduate students who seek careers outside formal science, the MWS and MNRD plans of study offer broad academic training to sharpen problem solving and management skills. Students in one of these options perform a three- to nine-month internship in lieu of thesis research; the internship provides experience with the operation of an appropriate business or agency.
Graduate study in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences is a full-time commitment, normally requiring two years or more to complete the MWS, MNRD and M.S. degrees and four to five years for the Ph.D. degree.