Doctor of Philosophy in Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology

The Department Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology was the first in natural resources to emphasize the importance of incorporating public input and to implement two way communications into planning and decision-making regarding wildlife policy. The graduate program is one of the top programs in the nation. The Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology graduate program is highly competitive and our faculty members are well respected both in the nation and international arenas. In addition, FWCB graduate students are some of the most elite students both nationally and internationally.

Graduates of the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology hold academic positions in state and federal natural resource agencies, in foreign countries, and in private organizations and industry.

Our faculty have diverse professional interests and often work in interdisciplinary teams to understand and solve today's complex environmental and natural resource management problems.

Graduate students have also developed working relationships with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Wildlife Research Center, and the Biological Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey which have offices and research facilities on or near the Colorado State campus. The Colorado Natural Heritage Program, the Larval Fish Laboratory, and the Water Center are on-campus interdisciplinary research programs associated with the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology.

An official transcript of all collegiate work completed along with a certified translation into English.
An undergraduate grade point average of 3.000 (A = 4.000) is required by CSU regulation for admission.
Minimum TOEFL score for admission without condition is 550 (paper based), or 80 (internet based).
Minimum IELTS score for admission without condition is 6.5.
Admission decisions are based on academic performance, letters of recommendations, work experience, evidence of scientific productivity, leadership qualities, and a personal statement. Students with a cumulative undergraduate GPA above 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or better meet minimal requirements but does not guarantee admittance into the program. We have many highly qualified applicants, therefore, if you do not exceed these minimum standards, you are not encouraged to apply.

If your undergraduate degree is in an area outside of the physical, chemical, or biological sciences such as liberal arts, business, education, or psychology, you probably are not eligible for our M.S. or Ph.D. program. One option may be to complete a second bachelor's degree or take graduate level course work to strengthen your background for possible graduate admission later.
Review the FWCB faculty website to determine which faculty's research aligns with your professional goals and interests. Once you determine 1 – 3 faculty members you would like to work with, we strongly encourage you to research and read their research papers to familiarize yourself with their work.
After you are familiar with their work, please contact the faculty member directly to discuss your resume, work experience, and career goals.
Once an FWCB faculty member has agreed to support or recommend your application for admittance to the FWCB Graduate Program, please apply online at the CSU Online Graduate Application. You will need supporting materials - narrative (statement of purpose), resume, and an official transcript from each college/university attended. GRE scores are not required for our Department.
The FWCB Department requires all graduate students to have a faculty advisor prior to being recommended for admittance to the FWCB Graduate Affairs Committee and CSU Graduate Admissions Office.
When all required documents are received, the application is routed and reviewed by faculty.