The one-year, course-based Master of Wildlife Biology (MWB) is a unique program designed to help graduates acquire the academic, technical and experiential training needed to solve problems of relevance for society, wildlife and ecosystems in the government, not-for-profits, environmental consulting, education and industry sectors. Within wildlife biology, students have the opportunity to customize their program of study to pursue their distinct professional interest, while also adapting to changing job market demands by specializing in one of the following fields:

1. Wildlife Rehabilitation
2. Biomonitoring
3. Wildlife Conservation

Students may also choose courses across all three focus areas, without having to declare a field of specialization.

The program is organized around three domains of learning: 1) Professional Skills and Qualifications, 2) Integrative Competencies in Wildlife Biology, and 3) Integrative Experiences and Applications of Knowledge. To address these three domains, students complete three required courses regardless of any field of specialization. Students take another three elective courses plus 80-hours of workshops, seminars or skills training in their field of specialization (or in an area of interest if not pursuing a field of specialization). Students complete either an experiential placement with a company, institution or wildlife centre that aligns with their career pursuits, or a Major Research Projects in their final semester. Students complete an Independent Pathways Plan at the beginning of the program to help guide their course selection and placement over the year.

By completing the required foundational courses within the MWB, plus the acquisition of skills-based training workshops, course electives and a placement within the student’s field of specialization, graduates will be able to complete the Master of Wildlife Biology program. Graduates become fully equipped to integrate and apply knowledge and skills, conduct independent inquiry, synthesize and evaluate different perspectives, communicate with stakeholders, organize and lead projects and apply policy related to wildlife biology. Ultimately, this flexible and adaptable program prepares the next generation of wildlife professionals to support evidence-based and ethically responsible decision-making about wild animals and the pressing challenges they face in current socio-environmental contexts.

Administrative Staff

Director
Sherri Cox (2457 Science Complex, Ext. 56286)
coxs@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator
Cortland Griswold (1474 Science Complex, Ext. 56240)
cgriswol@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Assistant
TBD
Graduate Admissions Assistant
Karen White (3479 Science Complex, Ext. 52730)
cbsgrad@uoguelph.ca

Graduate Faculty

This list may include Regular Graduate Faculty, Associated Graduate Faculty and/or Graduate Faculty from other universities.

Admission Requirements

Students entering the program must meet the minimum master’s admission requirements set by the University: successful completion of an undergraduate degree/ baccalaureate, in an honours’ program or the equivalent from a recognized university; minimum B- average (last two years of full-time equivalent study); English proficiency levels as per the University’s admission guidelines. An additional requirement for this program is the submission of either two academic references OR one academic reference and one professional reference. Preference for admission will be given to applicants who have experience in biology either through previous degree(s) or work experience.

Students with non-traditional education and experience in a related wildlife biology field are welcome to apply and will be considered under the University’s Alternate Admissions Criteria.

All components of the application, including transcript(s), graduate certificate(s), grading scale(s), language test results and assessment forms must be uploaded no later than two months after an application is submitted through the OUAC portal. Applications that are incomplete after this time period will be closed.

Admission Process

Graduate student applications to programs in the College of Biological Science (CBS) are overseen by the Office of the Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies (ADRGS). Before submitting an application, applicants are strongly encouraged to view the "Before you Apply" and "Admission Process" pages on the CBS ADRGS website.

Space in this program will be limited and applicants are advised to ensure their applications are complete by the application deadline stated on the program website. Application details and the admissions deadline are posted on the program website.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, students should be able to:

1. Identify, select, and integrate the most appropriate set of integrative competencies (knowledge, skills, behaviours, values, abilities) to apply to a case or a complex problem typical of their specialization.
2. Conduct independent inquiry and analysis within wildlife biology.
3. Demonstrate how carious perspectives are utilized to understand evaluate and synthesize communications and reports.
4. Communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders in an inclusive and multimodal manner.
5. Explain the relevance and application of policy and laws related to wildlife biology at various levels of government administration.

6. Demonstrate leadership skills that will enable students to independently develop and lead projects in an organized, professional, and inclusive manner.

Program Requirements

A total of 4.00 course credits are required to graduate, which must include:

Program Duration

Students will normally complete the program in one year in a full-time schedule, taking five 0.50 credit courses during the Fall and Winter (could be either two courses in the Fall and three in the Winter or vice versa), one 0.50 credit course throughout the year, and a 1.00 credit experiential placement in the Summer. There is also the option of completing this program part-time, in which case students are expected to complete 1.50 credits in year one, 1.50 credits in year two, and the 1.00 experiential placement in year three.