phd in wildlife science

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Wildlife science (m.s., ph.d., minor).

The Wildlife Science graduate degree offered by the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences provides students with the opportunity to study with faculty that have diverse taxonomic and disciplinary expertise including but not limited to the ecology and conservation of birds, mammals (including marine mammals) and amphibians, behavioral ecology, landscape ecology, population ecology, endangered species, conservation psychology, habitat restoration, conservation biology, and conservation genetics.

In addition to our traditional faculty, the Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit  resides with the department and Unit scientists teach graduate level courses and maintain active graduate research programs funded in part by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Biological Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey.

Graduate faculty are located on the main Corvallis campus, Hatfield Marine Science Center , location of the Marine Mammal Institute , and at the Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

The Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences aspires to preeminence among academic programs in ecology, management, and conservation biology in terrestrial, freshwater aquatic, and marine vertebrates and the habitats upon which they depend. We are dedicated to the discovery and dissemination of knowledge in conservation of biodiversity, natural resource management, and the sustainable use of natural resources. 

  Wildlife Science Website

  College of Agricultural Sciences

  Degree Type Guide

 Corvallis

Primary Contact

Admissions requirements, required tests, english language requirements .

English language requirements for international applicants to this program are the same as the standard Graduate School requirements .

Additional Requirements

Applicants must be accepted by a faculty advisor before submitting a graduate application. Tips how to contact a potential advisor can be found here .

Application requirements, including required documents, letters, and forms, vary by program and may not be completely represented here. The processing of your application will not be completed until these requirements have been met. Please, before applying to this program, always contact the program office to confirm application requirements.

Application Process

Please review the graduate school application process and Apply Online .

Dates & Deadlines ?

Admissions deadline.

Please complete your application at least 30 days prior to the term you plan to start for full consideration.

MAIS Participation

This program may serve as a primary, secondary, or third field of study in a MAIS degree .

AMP Participation ?

This program does not participate in the Accelerated Master's Platform (AMP)

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Home » Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology (Ph.D.)

Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology (Ph.D.)

CSU’s Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology is one of the top programs in the U.S., and over 2,400 of our alumni are working to resolve natural-resource related issues. The Department assists individuals, communities, and agencies to solve complex environmental problems and was one of the first to emphasize the importance of incorporating public input and implementing two-way communications into decision-making regarding wildlife policy.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology

Areas of study.

• Animal behavior
• Applications of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis to fish and wildlife issues
• Applications and development of computer software
• Aquatic ecology
• Conservation biology
• Conservation genetics
• Early life history of fishes
• Ecology and management of fishes, birds, and mammals
• Ecotoxicology
• Endangered species management
• Environmental and conservation education
• Fish and wildlife habitat management
• Fish culture
• Fish physiology
• Fish systematics (salmonids and endangered fishes)
• Fishery science and management
• Geometric morphometrics
• Human dimensions of wildlife management
• Human impacts on aquatic ecosystems
• Human-wildlife conflict management
• Ichthyology
• Landscape ecology
• Molecular ecology
• Molecular systemics
• Pond and reservoir ecology and management
• Population dynamics and modeling
• Public relations and education
• Quantitative biology and statistical analysis methodologies
• Wildlife and recreation management on private lands
• Wildlife management
• Contact your department representative or request more program information .
• Check out department requirements and resources from your department’s website.
• When you’re ready to take the leap, start your application .

Requirements

Coursework, credit requirements, and more information is available in the Colorado State University general catalog . Please contact your department representative with program-related questions.

Financial Aid

• Financial aid resources available through the Student Financial Services website.
• Your department may have financial aid options available and please check our financial resource section for additional opportunities.

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PhD in Fisheries Science or Wildlife Science

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Graduate students of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife value scholarship in all its forms - discovery, integration, application, and teaching. We value understanding for its own sake, for the betterment of people, and for the conservation of the natural world.

PhD in Fisheries Science

The Fisheries Science graduate program focuses on quantitative analyses of marine and freshwater fish populations, water quality, fish systematics, fish and invertebrate physiology, stream ecology, modeling of aquatic ecosystems, land use interactions, endangered species, and aquaculture.

Areas of Concentration in Fisheries

Aquaculture, conservation biology, fish genetics, ichthyology, limnology, parasites and diseases, physiology and ecology of marine and freshwater fishes, stream ecology, toxicology, water pollution biology.

Marine Research

Students can choose to spend one term at the Hatfield Marine Science Center , an extended campus facility located in Newport, where we have courses emphasizing the marine environment.

The Oregon Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit has active research programs funded in part by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Biological Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey. The Agricultural Experiment Station, the Sea Grant program, Forest Science Laboratory and other organizations fund major research projects.

The department maintains extensive collections of vertebrate species, which are curated by  Brian Sidlauskas  (fish),  Clinton Epps  (mammals), and  Bruce Dugger  (birds). The Oregon State Ichthyology Collection is also available to view online. 

PhD in Wildlife Science

The Wildlife Science graduate program in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife emphasizes wildlife research concerning the interaction of wildlife with land uses, migratory bird biology, forestry-wildlife relationships, endangered species management, and population dynamics. Read more about faculty research in Fisheries and Wildlife.

Areas of Concentration in Wildlife

Animal-habitat relationships; behavior; conservation biology; community studies; ecology of birds, small and large mammals including cetaceans and pinnipeds, and herptiles; ecology of avian and mammalian predators; ecology of waterfowl and upland game birds; effects of parasites, diseases, and environmental contaminants; nutrition; population; population dynamics; reproductive biology; toxicology of pesticides; wildlife ecology; wildlife-forestry interactions.  

The department maintains extensive collections of vertebrate species, which are curated by Alvaro Cortes (fish),  Clinton Epps  (mammals), and  Bruce Dugger  (birds).

Our Department's decision for admission is not the date of application but your acceptance by a faculty advisor. Please review more information on  How to Apply  prior to submitting an application. 

Current Students

• Current Graduate Students
• Oregon State University's Graduate School Guide to Success
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• OSU FW Job listserv  - this listserv is distributed as a weekly digest to subscribers

Learning Outcomes:

Read more about our learning outcomes.

If you have questions about any of the graduate programs please contact the  Graduate Program Coordinator .

School of Environmental and Forest Sciences

• College of the Environment
• University of Washington

Wildlife Graduate Studies

Graduates concentrating in wildlife science obtain employment in varied settings. Historically, most graduates have been hired by municipal, state and federal agencies. Recently, as the demand for expertise in wildlife science has intensified, graduates also have found opportunities with consulting firms, private conservation organizations, and research laboratories.

Prepare and apply for graduate studies in wildlife at the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences.

Previous Research

• Wildlife communities on new forestry demonstration sites in western Oregon and Washington
• Home range movements and habitat use of western gray squirrels
• Evaluating bird response to the Plum Creek Habitat Conservation Plan
• Winter habitat use and foraging behavior of lynx in north central Washington
• Amphibian use of stormwater retention ponds in King County
• Effects of natural disturbance and barred owl competition on spotted owls in Olympic National Park
• The role of summer range on mule deer populations in north-central Washington

Wildlife Science Curriculum Structure

*Ph.D. level course **for MS, taken twice; for Ph.D., taken three times

Related Faculty

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• Wildlife Ecology, PhD

The Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology offers graduate education and training in a number of areas leading to the master of science and/or the doctor of philosophy degree in Wildlife Ecology. The department takes pride in its program's outstanding research reputation and the success of graduates working throughout the world. The Wildlife Ecology program was founded by Aldo Leopold in 1939, and the program has maintained his vision and legacy of excellence in our current research and graduate training activities.

Master's and doctoral work in wildlife ecology typically focus on areas of wildlife ecology that reflect the expertise of the faculty, including, but not limited to, behavioral ecology, physiological ecology, population dynamics, wildlife disease, community ecology, landscape ecology, wildlife management, wildlife-habitat linkages, molecular ecology, human dimensions, species distribution modeling, climate change, endangered species recovery, conservation biology, toxicology, and wildlife damage management.

The department is home to the U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit. In this program, research in support of state and federal wildlife conservation programs is given priority.

In recent years, annual research support for the department's programs has averaged between $3 million to $4 million drawn from an array of federal, state, and conservation organizations and private donors. Competition for admission is very strong, and not every admissible student can or will be offered financial support. Graduate assistantships and/or fellowships may be available for a limited number of well-qualified students. Before submitting an application for admission, interested students should contact individual faculty to determine whether an assistantship or other financial aid might be available. Once admitted, students work closely with major professors and an advisory committee to develop a research program.

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

The Graduate School sets minimum requirements for admissions . Academic program admission requirements are often more rigorous than those set by the Graduate School. Applicants are encouraged to apply earlier than the dates listed above. Check the program’s website for details about the admissions process.

Prerequisites

Individuals are expected to enter the program having taken a majority of the following coursework, but deficient courses may be taken while in the program in consultation with the student's Graduate Committee.

• One course in ecology, with population ecology/dynamics strongly recommended
• One course in conservation biology, wildlife management, natural resources policy, or human dimensions of natural resources
• One course in animal organismal biology (e.g., physiology, terrestrial vertebrates, ornithology)
• One course in genetics or evolution

Coursework used to fulfill the prerequisite courses listed below does not transfer in to meet degree requirements.

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

Additional information regarding funding for Forest and Wildlife Ecology graduate students is available on the departmental website .

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Major requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Mode of Instruction

Mode of Instruction Definitions

Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.

Evening/Weekend: ​Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.  Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.

Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.

Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.  Contact the program for more specific information.

Online: These programs are offered 100% online.  Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.

Curricular Requirements

Required Courses

Additional information and forms related to program-specific courses is available in the program handbook.

Students must complete a total of 51 credits to meet graduation requirements.

Graduate School Policies

The  Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures  provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Major-Specific Policies

Prior coursework, graduate credits earned at other institutions.

Refer to the Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework policy.

Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison

Credits earned as a professional student at uw-madison (law, medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary careers).

Refer to the  Graduate School: Transfer Credits for Prior Coursework  policy.

Credits Earned as a University Special Student at UW–Madison

Refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.

Advisor / Committee

Refer to the Graduate School: Advisor and Graduate School: Committees (Doctoral/Master’s/MFA) policies.

Credits Per Term Allowed

Time limits.

Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.

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These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

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College of Agricultural and Life Sciences: Grievance Policy  

In the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), any student who feels unfairly treated by a member of the CALS faculty or staff has the right to complain about the treatment and to receive a prompt hearing. Some complaints may arise from misunderstandings or communication breakdowns and be easily resolved; others may require formal action. Complaints may concern any matter of perceived unfairness.

To ensure a prompt and fair hearing of any complaint, and to protect the rights of both the person complaining and the person at whom the complaint is directed, the following procedures are used in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. Any student, undergraduate or graduate, may use these procedures, except employees whose complaints are covered under other campus policies.

• The student should first talk with the person at whom the complaint is directed. Most issues can be settled at this level. Others may be resolved by established departmental procedures.
• If the complaint involves an academic department in CALS the student should proceed in accordance with item 3 below.
• If the grievance involves a unit in CALS that is not an academic department, the student should proceed in accordance with item 4 below.
• If informal mediation fails, the student can submit the grievance in writing to the grievance advisor within 10 working days of the date the student is informed of the failure of the mediation attempt by the grievance advisor. The grievance advisor will provide a copy to the person at whom the grievance is directed.
• The grievance advisor will refer the complaint to a department committee that will obtain a written response from the person at whom the complaint is directed, providing a copy to the student. Either party may request a hearing before the committee. The grievance advisor will provide both parties a written decision within 20 working days from the date of receipt of the written complaint.
• If the grievance involves the department chairperson, the grievance advisor or a member of the grievance committee, these persons may not participate in the review.
• If not satisfied with departmental action, either party has 10 working days from the date of notification of the departmental committee action to file a written appeal to the CALS Equity and Diversity Committee. A subcommittee of this committee will make a preliminary judgement as to whether the case merits further investigation and review. If the subcommittee unanimously determines that the case does not merit further investigation and review, its decision is final. If one or more members of the subcommittee determine that the case does merit further investigation and review, the subcommittee will investigate and seek to resolve the dispute through mediation. If this mediation attempt fails, the subcommittee will bring the case to the full committee. The committee may seek additional information from the parties or hold a hearing. The committee will present a written recommendation to the dean who will provide a final decision within 20 working days of receipt of the committee recommendation.
• If the alleged unfair treatment occurs in a CALS unit that is not an academic department, the student should, within 120 calendar days of the alleged incident, take his/her grievance directly to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. The dean will attempt to resolve the problem informally within 10 working days of receiving the complaint. If this mediation attempt does not succeed the student may file a written complaint with the dean who will refer it to the CALS Equity and Diversity Committee. The committee will seek a written response from the person at whom the complaint is directed, subsequently following other steps delineated in item 3d above.

Additional information for students in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology can be found on the Graduate Programs page for the department.

• Professional Development

Take advantage of the Graduate School's  professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

• Learning Outcomes
• Articulates research problems, potentials, and limits with respect to theory, knowledge, or practice within the field of wildlife ecology and natural resource management.
• Formulates ideas, concepts, designs, and/or techniques beyond the current boundaries of knowledge within the field of wildlife ecology and natural resource management.
• Demonstrates breadth within their learning experiences.
• Advances contributions of the field of wildlife ecology and natural resource management to society.
• Communicates complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner.
• Creates research and scholarship that makes a substantive contribution.

Bowe, Scott Burivalova, Zuzana Chen, Min Drake, David Karasov, William Hua, Jessica Kruger, Eric (chair) Ozdogan, Mutlu Pauli, Jonathan Peery, M. Zach Pidgeon, Anna Radeloff, Volker Raynor, Jennifer Rickenbach, Mark Rissman, Adena Townsend, Philip Van Deelen, Timothy Zuckerberg, Benjamin

Affiliated Faculty

Balster, Nick (Soil Science) Marin-Spiotta, Erika (Geography)

Instructors and Teaching Faculty

Berkelman, James Nack, Jamie Meindl, George

Student Services

Hochmuth, Allee Laabs, Emily

For faculty and staff profiles, visit https://forestandwildlifeecology.wisc.edu/people/faculty-and-staff/

• Requirements

Contact Information

Forest and Wildlife Ecology College of Agricultural and Life Sciences fwe.wisc.edu

Emily Laabs, Graduate Program Manager [email protected]

Dr. Jonathan Pauli, Chair of Graduate Programs Committee [email protected] Faculty Bio

Graduate Program Handbook View Here

Graduate School grad.wisc.edu

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Ph.D. in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology

The Ph.D. program in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology allows doctoral students to pursue an advanced degree in a wide variety of subjects involving fisheries and wildlife , including topics that overlap with environmental resources, forestry and other specialty areas supported by the College of Natural Resources, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and College of Veterinary Medicine.

Faculty and students in Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology conduct applied research to help guide sustainable solutions for conservation challenges locally, regionally and globally. For a look at topics graduate students have pursued, please visit the  Electronic Thesis and Dissertation  Library of the NC State Graduate School.

Requirements

The Ph.D. program requires 36 to 54 credits of course work beyond the master’s degree, including two hours of seminar, FW 730 (Ethics in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology), and a dissertation. Exceptionally well-prepared students may petition to have their degree objective changed to Ph.D. before completing the master’s degree. There are no language or minor requirements.

The two hours of required seminar can be met by taking a combination of seminar classes approved by the student’s committee. We encourage students to take  AEC  502, but other good options include FOR 801/803, and  PRT  801.

Ph.D. advisory committees must include four faculty members with appointments to the NC State Graduate Faculty. The chair must have an appointment on the  Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Faculty  and must be a full member of the Graduate Faculty. If co-chairs are designated, at least one of them must be a full member of the Graduate Faculty.

Ph.D. students reside in the department of their major professor.

General Requirements

General requirements are listed below. All referenced  Ph.D. forms  can be found in downloadable format online .

• Identify an advisory committee to be appointed by the Graduate Dean upon the recommendation of the DGP.
• Select a dissertation subject and submit an outline of proposed research to the advisory committee for review and approval.
• Prepare a Plan of Graduate Work with input from the advisory committee, to be approved by the DGP and submitted to the Graduate School for approval. This must be done as soon as is feasible after completion of 12 hours of course work.
• Pass written examinations in all major and minor fields (if required) no earlier than the end of the second year of graduate study and no later than one semester before the final oral examination. Results are reported to the Graduate School.
• Following satisfactory completion of all required written examinations, submit a Request for Approval to Schedule the Doctoral Oral Examination to the DGP at least two weeks prior to the suggested date. The student and examining committee will be notified once the Graduate School approves the request.
• Be admitted to candidacy after the prelim has been passed without conditions.
• Obtain candidacy within six years of the start of the program.
• Submit a preliminary draft of their dissertation to the chair of the advisory committee for review.
• Give a dissertation to advisory committee members for review at least two weeks prior to the final oral examination.
• Submit a Request for Approval to Schedule the Doctoral Oral Examination, designating the final oral examination, to the DGP at least two weeks prior to its suggested date. This request should be submitted four or more months after admission to candidacy, and after the dissertation is complete (except for revisions triggered as a result of the final exam). Approval of this request must be granted by the Graduate School.
• Upload the dissertation into the ETD system according to the Grad School timeline. Have the dissertation reviewed and approved by the thesis editor of the Graduate School to insure that the format conforms to the specifications prescribed in the Thesis and Dissertation Guide.
• Submit the dissertation in the format and time frame required by the Graduate School.
• Achieve a GPA of at least 3.0 to qualify for graduation.
• Complete all degree requirements within ten calendar years, beginning with the date the student commenced courses carrying graduate credit applicable to the degree program.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Admission and course requirements for the Ph.D. degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science as well as Committee, research, thesis and examination information.

The objectives of the PhD degree are:

• to attain the highest level of scholarship and independent research in one of the three subject matter areas within the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management,
• to conduct original research in a scholarly manner which represents a significant contribution to knowledge within the scope of the Department's programs, and
• to develop a proficiency in a basic scientific discipline in relation to one of the Department's subject matter areas.

The PhD candidate must develop and demonstrate the ability to conceive and conduct independent research. The degree is designed to produce a scientist proficient in scientific principles and capable of academic teaching and/or scholarly research.

Following admission to residency, even if course work and thesis research have been initiated, full acceptance in the PhD program requires passing the Qualifying Examination early in the residency period. The student must be registered during the semester that the Qualifying Exam is administered.

The minimum admissions requirements established by Penn State University's Graduate School and the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management.

The course and credit requirements stipulated by the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, in conjunction with the Graduate School of Penn State University.

Ph.D. Dissertation Research information.

Ph.D. Advisory Committee appointment, membership, and responsibilities information.

Ph.D. Final Oral Examination (Dissertation Defense) information.

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Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology

Doctor of philosophy in wildlife ecology, scope of the phd program.

Candidates for the  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree must possess a detailed knowledge of their area of research, a breadth of knowledge of basic biology and ecology, and a comprehensive knowledge of the fields of wildlife biology and management.  Furthermore, each candidate must have completed a program of study in a discipline ancillary to wildlife.  Evaluation of the Ph.D. candidate with respect to the above objectives will include (1) a comprehensive examination testing the candidate’s breadth of general knowledge as well as his/her comprehensive knowledge in the fields of wildlife biology and management, and (2) a final oral defense of the research and research specialty.  The ancillary studies requirement may be met through the course work, or via other opportunities for personal development agreed upon by the student’s graduate committee.

Admission Requirements

Ph.D. students are only accepted if the department or faculty has funding for graduate assistantships, tuition, and research expenses. Acceptance to the University of Maine graduate programs in wildlife ecology (WLE) is highly competitive. Most successful applicants have an excellent academic record (3.4-4.0 GPA), substantial practical experience through summer or post-graduate employment, and strong letters of recommendation.

The minimum standards for the thesis-based degrees are:

• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 basis).
• An undergraduate degree in wildlife ecology or biology or a closely related discipline is generally required.
• Applicants are encouraged to take the GRE exams.

Financial Assistance

Stipends for graduate assistantships range from a minimum of $21,000 upward per year. Most graduate students are supported by graduate research assistantships, but some students have teaching assistantships and participate in teaching at the undergraduate level. There are also several university-wide scholarships available on a competitive basis and the faculty nominates top-ranking applicants for these awards.

Inquiries and Applications

We post all available graduate assistantships on the Department’s website. We strongly encourage potential applicants to apply to specific openings and to discuss their qualifications and interests with faculty. Note that posted assistantships often have unique deadlines and starting dates.

Course Requirements for All Graduate Degrees

As with undergraduate degrees, course requirements are intended to balance the specific informational requirements of graduate research projects with a wider perspective to be shared by successful students in the Department.

Requirements for degrees include:

• A demonstrated breadth of learning will include topics of Biology and Ecology, Natural Resource Management, and Analytical Tools.  This may be satisfied by a) the completion of coursework prior to initiating graduate degree work at the University of Maine (at or above level 300, or approved by the graduate coordinator) or b) by coursework taken at the University of Maine as part of the degree program (level 400 or above, or as approved by the graduate coordinator).  A total of 30 credit hours of the following topics are required from a combination of undergraduate and graduate work, however, only the graduate-level coursework conducted during the graduate program will count towards the required graduate degree credits (see graduate-level course requirement sections, below). Ecology and Organismal Biology – 9 credits* which may include:  Botany, Ecology, Zoology (Vertebrate or Invertebrate), Anatomy, Physiology, Evolution Natural Resource Management – 9 credits* which may include:  Habitat Conservation, Resource Economics, Policy, Conservation, Social Science, Human Ecology Analytical Tools – 9 credits* to include:  Statistics (3 credit minimum) and additional statistics coursework or courses in Population Dynamics, Geographic Information Systems , or Modeling* Note that the listed requirements sum up to 27 credits, thus one topical area will require 12 rather than 9 credits ).
• At least three courses must be taken within the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology (either taught by our faculty or with a WLE designator).  One of these three courses must be at a 500 level or greater.
• Meeting the minimum course credit requirements for the graduate degree program (specific to M.S., M.W.C., and Ph.D.) as described below.

Course Work Requirements for Ph.D.

The credit hour requirement for doctoral students in Wildlife Ecology shall include a minimum of 50 credit hours, which may include a maximum of 30 credit hours from the Master’s program.  A minimum of 35 credit hours will be in coursework, of which 20 hours must be in graduate-level (500/600) courses.  Thesis credits do not count toward course credit requirements.  At least six credits of thesis are required.  Ph.D. students are expected to be engaged in full-time work on their Ph.D. program for a minimum of two full years; most programs last three to five years.

Credit Hour Considerations for Graduate Assistants

Students getting paid by the university as a graduate assistant or fellow need to be registered for at least six credits for fall and spring, and if they are paid in the summer they need to be registered for at least one credit.  However, after Ph.D. students pass their Comprehensive Exams, they can register for one credit per semester until they graduate, assuming they meet the total credit hour requirements listed above.  If the student no longer is supported by an assistantship and is not a Maine resident, the charge for the credits to the student will be assessed at the out-of-state rate. The student should not assume that their advisor will continue to pay for credits when they are not supported by an assistantship.

Advisors and Graduate Committee

Students are accepted into the program by individual faculty, and the same faculty serves as advisor (or co-advisor).  The faculty advisor is the primary supervisor of a graduate student during their program.  Students will work with their advisor(s) to select a graduate committee to oversee and guide them through their graduate program.  The candidate will select their graduate committee before the end of the second semester of study.  The committee will consist of at least five members of the graduate faculty, including at least one from outside the Department. Cooperating faculty who hold a joint appointment in the Department serve as an external member on graduate committees.  The initial meeting of the academic committee is intended to establish the student’s course of study and should occur early enough to be able to effectively provide useful guidance.  The student will produce a written proposal for research that meets the approval of the graduate committee both in terms of content and delivery date.  Consequently, the graduate committee will usually discuss the student’s proposed research during the initial committee meeting.

Before the initiation of research beyond pilot work (typically by the student’s second semester), both M.S. and Ph.D. students are expected to present a research prospectus to the Department in an informal seminar format (a 15-20-minute presentation followed by an equal measure of discussion is suggested).  The objectives of the seminar requirement are to i) provide an opportunity to solicit faculty input on study design and logistics and ii) encourage communication within the Department.  Ph.D. students will make a second presentation the following year, with a similar format and informed with preliminary results of their pilot research.  These presentations should focus on fostering discussion and may be coordinated with the departmental seminar series.

At a minimum, the graduate advisor(s), in consultation with the committee, shall annually evaluate the progress and level of achievement of the student.  Students should meet with the graduate committee for this review.  Students will receive feedback (oral, written, or both) from the committee.  Copies of written evaluations may be submitted to the student and to the Department Chair.

Research Proposal and Proposal Seminar

A presentation to the Department of the student’s preliminary research plan is required before the first major field season.  (Note that for any project involving the use of vertebrates, an approved Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) must be approved before any work begins).  This presentation is intended to be informal and serve as a point of discussion for the goals, objectives, and literature of the research topic.  The presentation should be about 20-30 minutes long for Ph.D. students (followed by 20-30 minutes of discussion).

A written proposal approved by the student’s advisory committee is required before research is undertaken (preliminary research excluded) and by the end of the second semester.  A final copy must be submitted to the Department Chair for filing with the student’s program of study.  A timeline for the student’s entire program is required as part of the proposal.

Professional and Departmental Activities

All candidates are expected to participate in professional and departmental activities.  Candidates are expected to regularly attend departmental and university seminars, to participate in professional development workshops, as available, and participate in departmental operations and activities. Graduate students are encouraged to present talks to the public (secondary schools, conservation organizations, etc.) or professional organizations on their thesis research and other topics concerning wildlife ecology or management.  Departmental duties assigned to graduate students will include: Helping in the maintenance of laboratories, coordination of the Department’s seminar program, leadership in a professional student group (e.g., to the Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society, American Fisheries Society), and other contributions.

Comprehensive Examination

The purpose of the comprehensive exam is to ensure that the candidate is knowledgeable of basic concepts of biology, ecology, and statistics, and has a comprehensive knowledge of wildlife ecology, and can synthesize information and concepts in the disciplines in a coherent and scholarly fashion.  In preparation for the comprehensive exam, the candidate can develop (if not previously accomplished) a core of coursework to obtain comprehensive knowledge in areas of concentrated study.  In addition, the candidate should develop, in consultation with the graduate committee and other members of the Department, a program of independent study that ensures a breadth of basic knowledge.  It is intended that the student will complete the comprehensive exam by the end of the second year of study.

The comprehensive examination will consist both of written and oral sections and usually will be administered following the completion of the coursework and before much of the research has been completed.  The comprehensive examination will consist of five written parts, each of which will be administered by a committee member or a designated faculty member assigned to the examining committee.  The five parts will cover at least five areas of concentrated study in the disciplines of biology (e.g., vertebrate physiology, animal systematics, environmental biophysics, evolution), ecology (e.g., limnology, population dynamics, biogeography, population genetics), and wildlife ecology (e.g., population biology and dynamics, habitat ecology, social/economic issues, wildlife law and policy).  The subject areas will be selected jointly by the candidate and the graduate committee.

The written examination will be completed within a five-day period and will be followed within two weeks by an oral examination.  Upon completion of the oral examination, the committee may rule that either (1) the student has passed the comprehensive exam, or (2) the student will be allowed to retake the exam after addressing deficiencies, or (3) the candidate has failed the exam, and will be dropped from the graduate program.  The candidate may retake the comprehensive exam only once, however, the committee may recommend that the student withdraw from the program without retaking the exam.  Reexamination may take place no earlier than two months following the initial examination.  A student who fails the second examination attempt will be dismissed from the program.

Ancillary Academic Program

Candidates are required to develop a program to broaden or expand their knowledge in a discipline ancillary to wildlife.  However, the Department has expanded this concept to allow study or accomplishment in other disciplines as well.  A suitable discipline will be selected by the candidate and approved by the graduate committee.  Commitment to this endeavor should equal at least six credit hours, and may be fulfilled by means other than structured coursework.  Ancillary disciplines may include foreign languages, chemistry, mathematics, advanced statistics, computer science, cartography, Geographic Information Systems , etc.

Teaching Requirement

Each Ph.D. candidate is required to teach for one semester in an undergraduate course.  The requirement may be fulfilled through the acceptance of a teaching assistantship (1/2 time) for one semester, the instruction of a three-hour laboratory section for one semester, or an equivalent teaching assignment as agreed upon by the graduate committee.  Demonstration of prior teaching experience may be considered, at the discretion of the student’s committee, to meet this requirement.

Dissertation

The preparation of an original thesis is required for all candidates.  The candidate is encouraged to prepare the thesis in the form of one or more papers suitable for publication in a major refereed journal, as opposed to the traditional thesis format.  If the traditional format is followed, the candidate will likely be expected to prepare a manuscript for publication that will be reviewed and approved by the advisor.  Format requirements (title page, abstract, margins, etc.) for the thesis have been established by the Graduate School.

Final Oral Examination

Upon completion of the coursework, comprehensive examination, and dissertation, the Ph.D. candidate will be required to pass an oral defense of the dissertation.  The final oral examination may not be scheduled until all committee members have read a draft of the thesis and signed the Tentative Thesis Acceptance form.  A draft of the dissertation must be approved by the advisor before it is distributed to the committee.  To facilitate meaningful reading of the thesis, an approved draft of the thesis must be to the committee at least three weeks prior to the date the thesis is due to the Graduate School.  ( Note: If any chapters are to be submitted for journal publication prior to thesis completion and defense, it is recommended that committee members be given three weeks for review so that feedback on the chapter may be incorporated prior to journal submission ).  Additional lead time prior to the defense may be necessary if significant revision of the dissertation is required by the graduate committee.  As part of the examination, a seminar on the research for the dissertation must be presented to the Department, usually before the oral defense.  Notification of the defense seminar and examination must be circulated through the Department (including Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology faculty) at least one week before the examination.  A copy of the dissertation also must be available to the Department for review.  As part of the examination, a seminar on the research must be presented to the Department preceding the oral defense.

Wildlife Sciences Graduate Study

Home » Wildlife Sciences Graduate Study

Wildlife Sciences – MS, PhD

Wildlife Sciences graduate programs are available for both MS and PhD degrees. Admission requirements parallel those for Forestry graduate programs. In addition to meeting Graduate School admission requirements, applicants are evaluated and recommended for admission by the graduate faculty of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences based on an examination of their scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), TOEFL tests for international students, their previous academic record, experience, and recommendations. While exceptions may be made, the faculty generally expect a minimum GPA of 3.0 in previous academic course work and minimum scores for both verbal and quantitative in the 50 percentile range for the GRE.

Degrees offered:

• Master of Science ( MS ) which requires a minimum of 30 hours beyond the bachelor degree at the graduate level, 21 hours of which must be in the major. A minimum of 4 but not more than 6 hours in Research and Thesis ( WILD 7990 ) is required. All MS students are required to take Research Methods ( FORY 7510 ) and Graduate Seminar ( WILD 7950 ). A research proposal and thesis based on original research are major components of the MS degree.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD ) degree requires 60 semester hours beyond the bachelor degree. There must be a minimum of 30 semester hours in graded coursework at the 7000-level or above. Of the remaining 30 semester hours, 10 hours must be Research and Dissertation ( WILD 8990 ) and 20 hours of 6000-level or above. While some these 60 hours can be from previous graduate work, such as a MS degree, a minimum of 18 hours of graded coursework at the 6000-level or above must be completed at Auburn. All PhD students are required to take Research Methods ( FORY 7510 ) and Graduate Seminar ( WILD 7950 ). A research proposal and dissertation based on original research are required as major components of the PhD degree program. Oral and written preliminary exams are required for advancement to candidacy and must be completed no less than two academic terms prior to graduation.  The written and oral preliminary examinations for PhD students will normally consist of questions from each committee member regarding technical competency and other related issues.

Associated Research Faculty

For immediate questions about our graduate programs or for assistance in identifying a potential advisor or financial aid opportunities, please contact the Graduate Student Services office.

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Dr. Janaki R.R. Alavalapati, Dean

School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences Auburn University 3301 Forestry and Wildlife Building 602 Duncan Drive Auburn, Alabama 36849-3418

Phone: 334-844-1004 Email:  [email protected]

Dear Auburn Family,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University!

Thank you for visiting our website in observance of this important anniversary. We hope you’ll enjoy learning about the history of Auburn’s forestry and wildlife sciences programs within the interactive timeline and photo archive of the School’s significant milestones and achievements.

As you’ll discover, forestry first became a stand-alone program in what was then known as the School of Agriculture in 1946. Since that time, Auburn has produced thousands of well-qualified graduates, provided citizens with science-based solutions to improve their quality of life and developed solutions to some of society’s most complex natural resource challenges.

In honor of this occasion, the School has published Arthur L. Slotkin’s 75 Years of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences at Auburn University . Through personal interviews and in-depth research, Mr. Slotkin has created a detailed chronology that will take readers on a journey through time to discover how Auburn’s forestry and wildlife programs evolved to become the present-day School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences.

The School will commemorate its 75th anniversary from March 2021 through 2022. Throughout the year, we will invite our faculty, students, alumni, and friends to join us in celebrating the School’s rich history of teaching, research, and extension through a series of virtual and in-person *events, including:

• 7 for 75 Virtual Speaker Series: Accomplished alumni and industry leaders representing our diverse programs will discuss a wide range of topics from land management to current and future technology to stakeholder engagement.
• Dean’s Q & A and Alumni Breakout Sessions: Deans past and present will share their personal stories of the major milestones that occurred during their tenure. As part of these virtual roundtable discussions, we will host breakout sessions for alumni to socialize and reminisce about their time at Auburn.
• 75th Anniversary Events: Faculty, staff, and students will celebrate the anniversary with alumni and friends during the School’s annual events, including the student awards banquet, graduate research symposium, and alumni homecoming barbeque.
• 75th Anniversary Gala: The anniversary celebrations will conclude with a signature gala in the spring of 2022 at the Gogue Performing Arts Center. To feature a distinguished keynote speaker, guests will also enjoy dinner, musical entertainment, a complimentary book signing with Arthur Slotkin, and a short documentary of the 75-year history of forestry and wildlife sciences at Auburn University.

In addition to this exciting calendar of events, we invite our alumni to share their Auburn experience by submitting stories, photos, and other memorabilia to our website that will be shared online with fellow alumni during the anniversary celebration year.

On behalf of the faculty and staff, we look forward to commemorating this milestone anniversary with you in honor of 75 years of forestry and wildlife Sciences at Auburn University!

Events are subject to change in compliance with Auburn University’s COVID-19 safety protocols.

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Wildlife Sciences — MS, PhD

Degree programs:.

• Wildlife Sciences — MS
• Wildlife Sciences — PhD

Wildlife Sciences graduate programs are available for both MS and PhD degrees. Admission requirements parallel those for Forestry graduate programs. In addition to meeting Graduate School admission requirements, applicants are evaluated and recommended for admission by the graduate faculty of the College of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences based on examination of scores on the TOEFL tests for international students, previous academic records, experience, and recommendations. While exceptions may be made, the faculty generally expect a minimum GPA of 3.0 in previous academic course work.

Degrees offered:

Master of Science ( MS ) which requires a minimum of 30 hours beyond the bachelor's degree at the graduate level, 21 hours of which must be in the major. A minimum of 4 but not more than 6 hours in Research and Thesis ( WILD 7990 ) is required. All MS students are required to take Research Methods ( FORY 7510 ) and Graduate Seminar ( FOWS 7950 ). A research proposal and thesis based on original research are required components for the MS degree.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD ) degree requires 60 semester hours beyond the bachelor's degree. There must be a minimum of 30 semester hours in graded coursework at the 7000-level or above. Of the remaining 30 semester hours, 10 hours must be Research and Dissertation ( WILD 8990 ) and 20 hours of 6000-level or above. While some of these 60 hours can be from previous graduate work, such as a MS degree, the majority of hours of graded coursework at the 6000-level or above must be completed at Auburn. All PhD students are required to take Research Methods ( FORY 7510 ) and Graduate Seminar ( FOWS 7950 ). A research proposal and dissertation based on original research are required as major components of the PhD degree program. Oral and written preliminary exams are required for advancement to candidacy and must be completed no less than two academic terms prior to graduation.  The written and oral preliminary examinations for PhD students will normally consist of questions from each committee member regarding technical competency and other related issues.

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Wildlife & Wildlands Conservation PhD

This program emphasizes the scientific method in developing critical thinking and analytical skills applied to conservation and management problems related to wildlife ecology, wildlands, restoration science and/or rangeland ecology. Depending on the emphasis, advanced training in topic specialties may be complemented by courses in statistics, geographical information systems (GIS), soil sciences, model testing, systematics, or advanced ecology. All emphases require original research topics with the results presented in dissertation format. This research is expected to be of a publication quality and dissertation style best reflecting that of a professional journal, thus facilitating timely submissions for publication. We also encourage formal presentations at professional meetings. These graduate programs are supported by twenty-five faculty members within the department. Their research and teaching interests include genetics and biotechnology, plant growth under environmental stress, urban landscape environments, landscape ecology, bioremediation of contaminated soils and water, wildlands restoration methods, environmental pollution, wildlife habitat and ecology, remote sensing.

Graduate Programs

Wildlife Sciences

Research topics in the wildlife sciences area focus on the biological, ecological, and managerial aspects of wildlife populations. Our wildlife faculty are active in a variety of graduate teaching and research areas, including:

• Population dynamics
• Community ecology
• Physiology and nutrition
• Behavioral ecology
• Wildlife diseases and population health
• Habitat management
• Nongame and endangered species
• Urban wildlife management
• Wildlife damage management
• Conservation biology
• Game management
• Human dimensions of wildlife
• Invasive species
• Quantitative wildlife ecology
• Wildlife population genetics

Graduate Degrees in Wildlife Sciences

The graduate program in wildlife sciences is designed to provide a strong background in the biological, ecological, and managerial aspects of the wildlife profession. Federal cooperative research and service units in Warnell bring additional adjunct faculty to the graduate wildlife program from the U.S. Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Several wildlife faculty have collaborative teaching and research relationships with other academic units on campus, such as the Odum School of Ecology, the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study at the College of Veterinary Medicine. These associations provide opportunities for interdisciplinary research projects.

Wildlife Science can be pursued under the MNR, MS, and PhD degree programs. Course requirements are at the discretion of major professors, but in general:

• Master of Natural Resource students within the wildlife sciences area of emphasis must complete a minimum of 33 course credit hours, 12 of which must be listed with the COFA, FANR, FISH, FORS, GISC, PRTM, or WILD prefix and 9 of which must be outside the primary study area.
• Master of Science students in wildlife sciences must complete at least 21 course credit hours, 12 of which at the graduate-only level (8000/9000) and 12 of which must be listed with the COFA, FANR, FISH, FORS, GISC, PRTM, or WILD prefix.
• Doctor of Philosophy students in wildlife sciences must complete a minimum of 21 course credit hours, 16 of which at the graduate-only level (8000/9000) and 12 of which listed with the COFA, FANR, FISH, FORS, GISC, PRTM, or WILD prefix.

For general questions about pursuing a graduate degree at Warnell, contact a member of the graduate team:

Dr.  Jacek Siry , Graduate Coordinator Office: 4-501 Phone: 706-542-3060

Kate deDufour , Graduate Program Administrator Office: 1-217 Phone: 706-542-1183

Prospective students should also contact faculty members for questions specific to this disciplinary area. Please check faculty members’ personal pages for information about their individual research interests and projects to ensure that you are contacting the most relevant ones.

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Building 4 photographer: Wezddy Del Toro Orozco

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Research focuses on human dimensions aspects of wild pigs; management and economic impact of wild pigs; nuisance wildlife management, natural history and ecology of woodrats (Allegheny and Key Largo); and,  inventory and monitoring of mammals.

Management and Impact of Wild Pigs

structured decision making adaptive management decision theory optimization modeling of natural resource systems sampling and estimation of wildlife populations

Wildlife Diseases, Zoonotic Diseases, Parasitology, Vector-borne pathogens

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Amity Institute of Forestry and Wildlifes

Scb - asia section conference 19th - 20th march, 2018, ph.d in wildlife science (regular), eligibility criteria, fellowships, eligibility for fellowship for ph.d., course work, comprehensive examination, programs offered, under graduate.

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Ph.d. programme, wildlife quotes.

"The spruce and cedar on its shores, hung with gray lichens, looked at a distance like the ghosts of trees. Ducks were sailing here and there on its surface, and a solitary loon, like a more living wave, - a vital spot on the lake's surface, - laughed and frolicked, and showed its straight leg, for our amusement." - Henry David Thoreau, The Maine Woods   Read more....

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Learn more about the Flood Hub 

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In a recent paper, Joshua Kilborn modelled the Gulf of Mexico fishery ecosystem trends and trajectory over time and better understand the factors that influenced their evolution. Click on the image to read more.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the world and everyday lives – from facial recognition on phones to smart home devices to security measures implemented for online banking. By some estimates, the global artificial intelligence market will grow twentyfold by 2030, reaching nearly $2 trillion.

What is AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) describes the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are conditioned to think and learn like humans. It is a multidisciplinary discipline that combines computer science, mathematics, psychology, and other areas to develop intelligent systems. AI systems use algorithms, which are sets of rules and instructions, along with large amounts of data to simulate human-like reasoning and behavior. This allows machines to analyze complex data, recognize patterns, and make autonomous decisions, leading to advancements in various fields such as healthcare, finance, transportation, and entertainment. According to Next Move Strategy Consulting, the market for artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to show strong growth in the coming decade. Its value of nearly 100 billion U.S. dollars is expected to grow twentyfold by 2030, up to nearly two trillion U.S. dollars.

Branches of AI

Artificial Intelligence encompasses several branches, each focusing on different aspects of intelligent behavior and problem-solving. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research, UCF explores the intersection of these branches, unlocking new possibilities and pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve.

• Computer Vision
• Data Analytics
• Machine Learning
• Natural Language Processing (NLP)

As UCF continues to make strong strides to be the University for the Future, we’re playing an important role in exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies can analyze more and deeper data with incredible accuracy, as well as greatly improve efficiency by expediting or even automating certain tasks. AI and its many implications present an enormous opportunity — and responsibility — for purposeful, impactful innovation at UCF.

A Network of AI Researchers

UCF’s Artificial Intelligence Initiative (Aii) aimed at strengthening AI expertise across key industries such as engineering, computer science, medicine, optics, photonics, and business. With plans to onboard nearly 30 new faculty members specializing in AI, this initiative signals UCF’s commitment to driving innovation and progress in AI-related fields.

Through Aii, an interdisciplinary team will harness the power of AI and computer vision to expand into emerging areas such as robotics, natural language processing, speech recognition, and machine learning. By bridging diverse industries, this collaborative effort seeks to pioneer groundbreaking technologies with wide-ranging societal impact.

A Top University for Artificial Intelligence

Articles presented at Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition Conference in 2023

UCF101 dataset is the research benchmark for all papers on human action recognition.

UCF has been the U.S. National Science Foundation REU site in computer vision.

Funded by Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity.

Powering AI Innovation from the Heart of Florida

Nestled among Research Park, downtown Orlando, and vibrant research hubs like the Lake Nona Medical City, UCF has a unique advantage in tapping into the diverse resources fueling AI research and development. Orlando’s dynamic tech scene fosters close-knit collaborations with industry partners and embraces cultural diversity, driving interdisciplinary efforts with real-world impact. Whether we’re delving into cutting-edge technologies within our local community or forging connections with global leaders, UCF’s position sets the stage for unparalleled growth in AI, shaping the future of innovation.

Transforming Lives Through AI Research

Much like electricity transformed the 20th century, AI is set to revolutionize the 21st. The adoption of AI isn’t just about technological change; it’s a catalyst for an industrial revolution fundamentally reshaping how we live and thrive.

From making medicine more accessible to building more sustainable cities, AI impacts nearly every aspect of our lives, and UCF’s faculty, students, and alumni are at the heart of it.

Autonomous Vehicles

Self-driving cars were once science fiction fantasy. Today, UCF researchers are making them a reality, promising safer roads, reduced congestion, and increased accessibility, revolutionizing how people and goods are transported.

• Driving the Future
• Developing a Computer Vision-based Navigation System
• AVs and the Future of Transportation

Managing Healthcare

From personalized treatment recommendations to optimizing resource allocation in hospitals, AI-driven solutions enhance efficiency and improve patient outcomes while reducing costs.

• Advanced Medicine
• Expanded Reality in Healthcare
• Using AI in Medicine to Better Predict Disease

Planning Cities and Economies

As smart cities become increasingly popular nationwide, UCF researchers are bringing cutting-edge AI tools and technology to one of the most heavily traveled areas in the state — improving mobility, business and safety for future generations here and across the nation.

• The New Era of Simulation
• Where Artificial Intelligence Meets Urban Planning

Reshaping Education

UCF researchers explore ways to learn from AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, to improve the learning experience for students and faculty. Through innovative approaches, they aim to revolutionize the educational landscape, fostering more interactive and personalized learning experiences.

• Could AI Save Education?
• Using AI to Help Children on the Autism Spectrum

Preserving Cultural Heritage

UCF researchers are leveraging AI to preserve cultural heritage, ensuring the protection of historical sites for future generations.

• Using Satellites to Protect Ancient Sites in Syria, Iraq
• Documenting and Triaging Cultural Heritage (DATCH) Project

Protecting Wildlife

Emphasizing the significance of proactive conservation efforts for future challenges UCF researchers work on the development of effective wildlife management strategies.

• Monitoring Genetic Mutations to Manage Florida Panther

Renewable Energy

UCF researchers are making renewable energy sources like solar and wind power more accessible and reliable, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

• The Truth About the Future of Energy
• Developing Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Simulators

A Network of Leading AI Experts

At UCF, our educators and researchers are mentors and leaders, thinkers and doers, big dreamers and problem-solvers. Here, different approaches to exploring and advancing AI also lead to unique collaborations with a variety of industry experts.

• Recognizing Human Action
• Accelerating Drug Development
• Harvesting the Potential of AI

Mubarak Shah Ph.D.

Trustee Chair Professor of Computer Science

The director of UCF’s Center for Research in Computer Vision, Shah also leads the Artificial Intelligence Initiative’s interdisciplinary team in pursuing new AI technologies. Recently, he and a team of UCF researchers received a prestigious prize for their pioneering human action recognition dataset.

Called UCF-101, the dataset includes videos with a range of actions taken with large variations in video characteristics — such as camera motion, object appearance, pose and lighting conditions. This footage provides better examples for computers to train with due to their similarity to how these actions occur in reality.

Find out more about this widely cited dataset

Ozlem Garibay Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems

Fusing AI with medicine, Garibay and a team of UCF researchers devised a new, more accurate prediction method that could accelerate the development of life-saving medicines and new treatments for various diseases. Both of which otherwise take decades of time and billions of dollars to produce.

The method models drug and target protein interactions using natural language processing techniques — and the team achieved up to 97% accuracy in identifying promising drug candidates. Garibay says this innovation has the potential to slow down diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer and the next global virus.

Explore the details on this drug-screening method

Yunjun Xu, Ph.D.

Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

By combing nature with technology, Xu and a team of researchers are exploring the use of autonomous robots in agriculture.

Supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the project will enhance the agricultural applications produced by the AI Institute for Transforming Workforce and Decision Support.

Xu’s team of researchers are applying AI to a variety of concepts to improve mobility, autonomy, precision, and analysis by agricultural robots. Advancing this technology will make farming more efficient, sustainable and cost effective.

Discover how this team will revolutionize agriculture

Artificial Intelligence Degrees and Academic Programs

UCF offers a comprehensive range of degrees related to Artificial Intelligence, including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and online programs that equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving field of AI.

Bachelor’s Degrees

Best bachelor’s degrees for a career in artificial intelligence and data science

• Computer Science BS
• Computer Engineering BSCpE
• Data Science BS
• Statistics BS

Graduate Degrees

Top master’s and doctoral degrees for artificial intelligence and data science

• Computer Science MS
• Computer Vision MS
• Big Data Analytics Ph.D.
• Data Analytics MS
• Mathematical Sciences MS
• Statistics and Data Science MS

UCF Online Degrees

Nationally recognized fully online data analytics programs

• Healthcare Informatics MS
• Travel Technology and Analytics MS
• Data Analytics Certificate
• Data Modeling Certificate

Meeting the AI Demand with Top Talent in Orlando and Nationwide

Industry-leading companies throughout Florida and across the country have come to rely on UCF’s talent pipeline to advance their own efforts and positively impact their fields. Orlando’s top technology employers, including L3Harris and Northrop Grumman, are connected directly to UCF’s talent pipeline helping to cement the region as Florida’s technology and innovation hub. From computer science to engineering to optics and photonics, UCF alumni are making powerful contributions through fulfilling careers.

AI-Related Companies Employing UCF Alumni

• AstraZeneca
• Mayo Clinic
• Northrop Grumman

Areas of Excellence

Innovation. Access. Impact. Our integrated approach to teaching and learning prepares students for the future of work and lifelong careers, making a difference in their communities and around the world.