Fish and Wildlife Management Montana State University

Overview

The Fish and Wildlife Management programme at Montana State University provides students with a robust foundation in the conservation and ecological management of natural resources. This long-standing degree option within the Biological Sciences department prepares graduates to address complex environmental challenges through scientific rigour.

Established in 1936, this is one of the oldest and most prestigious natural resource programmes in the United States. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with applied research, focusing on the sustainability of diverse bird, mammal, and fish populations across various ecosystems.

Why Fish and Wildlife Management at Montana State University?

Montana State University is situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, offering an unparalleled panoramic setting for environmental study. The campus is located within minutes of blue-ribbon trout streams, expansive prairies, and rugged mountain ranges, providing a natural laboratory for students.

The institution maintains a significant geographical advantage due to its proximity to Yellowstone National Park, which is located only 90 miles from the campus. This allows for extensive field research on world-renowned wildlife and fish populations, ensuring that students gain practical experience in world-class conservation environments.

Teaching is delivered by expert faculty members from the Department of Ecology and the Montana Cooperative Fisheries Research Unit of the USGS Biological Resources Division. This partnership ensures that the teaching remains at the forefront of modern ecological science and federal management standards.

The programme is highly successful, having supported hundreds of graduates who now lead efforts in natural resource management. With a dedicated focus on applied work, the department fosters a community where undergraduate students can engage with high-level research projects alongside experienced faculty and researchers.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 21098 per year
• National fee: USD 21098 per year
• Local fee: USD 6542 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum covers a wide range of ecological and management topics. Modules may include:

• Ecology and Management of Diverse Mammal, Bird, and Fish Species
• Land Impact Studies
• Population Ecology of Large Mammals
• Habitat Management of Waterfowl
• Bird Population Studies
• Warm- and Cold-water Fisheries
• Whirling Disease Management
• Interspecific Competition Between Carnivores
• Raptor Habitat Studies
• Climate Effects on Population Ecology

Careers with Fish and Wildlife Management

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped for professional roles within state and federal wildlife agencies, environmental consultancies, and non-profit conservation organisations. The applied nature of the coursework ensures that students are prepared for careers as wildlife biologists, fisheries managers, and conservation scientists.

The extensive research conducted within the department allows students to specialise in areas such as land use change, population dynamics, and species-specific management. These skills are highly sought after by employers looking for experts capable of managing the delicate balance between human activity and natural habitats.