Graduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Graduate degrees in the Biology and Wildlife Department prepare students for careers as professional biologists, whether in academia, state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, or industry. In addition to gaining knowledge in a particular subdiscipline, graduate students receive training in research design and analysis, critical thinking, and professional skills such as scientific writing, oral communication, and grantsmanship. The department offers five graduate degree programs:
- MS in Biological Sciences
- MS in Earth System Science (Ecosystems Concentration) new!
- MS in Wildlife Biology and Conservation
- PhD in Biological Sciences
- PhD in Earth System Science (Ecosystems Concentration) new!
Graduate students in Biology and Wildlife have access to many modern facilities, including the DNA core lab, a state-of-the-art greenhouse, and the extensive resources of the UA Museum of the North. Students enjoy unparalleled access to field sites throughout Alaska, including the Arctic and Bonanza Creek (boreal) Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) sites.
Our Graduates Have Exceptional Employment Outcomes:
The graph below classifies the employment type of students who graduated from our programs over the past 5 years. 100% of PhDs and 96% of MS students graduating between 2015 and 2020 were employed when surveyed in September 2020.
Requirements for Acceptance into a B&W Graduate Program:
- There are no specific course prerequisites for entry into the programs
- However, students must have a strong academic record in an appropriate discipline and evidence of ability to complete a graduate degree
- Research experience is highly valued, especially for PhD applicants
- A Biology and Wildlife Department faculty member must agree to serve as the major advisor
- Funding sources to support you and your research must be identified