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Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Click on each tab to see the requirements needed for a degree in Fisheries & Wildlife or download the PDF.

University Requirements

See MSU Academic Programs catalog (http://www.reg.msu.edu/ucc/AcademicPrograms.asp)

  • Minimum number of credits required - 120
    (123 cr. if student was required to complete MTH 1825)
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average - 2.00
WRITING REQUIREMENT
Tier I WRA 110 - 195H Writing: Various Topics   4
Tier II FW 434 Human Dimensions of Fisheries & Wildlife Management   3
INTEGRATIVE STUDIES REQUIREMENT (24 cr.)
Arts & Humanities (8 cr.)
IAH One course numbered below 211   4
IAH One course numbered 211 or higher   4
Social Science (8 cr.)
ISS One 200-level course   4
ISS One 300-level course   4
Diversity
Must complete at least two of the three diversity designated courses ("D", "N" & "I") as part of the IAH and/or ISS requirements listed above. "D" - emphasizes both international/multicultural and national diversity; "N" - emphasizes national diversity; and "I" - emphasizes international and multicultural diversity.

 

College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Requirements
MATH (3 to 5 cr.)
Complete ONE of the following courses
MTH 124 Survey of Calculus I   3
MTH 132 Calculus I   3
LBS 118 Calculus I   5
ECONOMICS (3 cr.)
Complete ONE of the following courses
EC 201 Introduction to Microeconomics   3
EC 202 Introduction to Macroeconomics   3
College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (at least 26 cr.)
Must complete at least 26 credits of CANR courses [C]. The Conservation Biology, Fisheries Biology & Management, Wildlife Biology & Management, Water Sciences, Fish & Wildlife Disease Ecology & Management & Preveterinary concentrations listed below all require the minimum required CANR credits. The Analytical Foundations of Fish & Wildlife Biology concentration does NOT require the minimum 26 CANR credits, thus students selecting this concentration must be sure to select a CANR course as one of the major course selections or as an elective. Non-CANR courses substituted for courses in any of the concentrations listed below may require a student to complete additional CANR course credits to meet the College's 26-credit requirement.

 

Fisheries & Wildlife Requirements
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (8 to 9 cr.)
Complete ONE of the following groups of courses
1 BS 110 Organisms & Populations   4
PLB 105 Plant Biology   3
PLB 106 Plant Biology Laboratory   1
2 BS 110 Organisms & Populations   4
BS 111 Cells & Molecules   3
BS 111L Cells & Molecular Biology Laboratory   2
3 LBS 144 Biology I - Organismal Biology   4
LBS 145 Biology II: Cellular & Molecular Biology   5
 
PHYSICAL SCIENCES (11 cr.)
Complete ONE of the following groups of courses
1 CEM 141 General Chemistry   4
CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I   1
2 CEM 151 General & Descriptive Chemistry   4
CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I   1
3 LBS 171 Principles of Chemistry I - Structure   4
LBS 171L Introductory Chemistry Laboratory I   1
Complete ONE of the following courses
LBS 271 Physics I   3
PHY 183 Physics for Scientists & Engineers I   4
PHY 231 Introductory Physics I   3
Complete ONE of the following courses
CSS 210 Fundamentals of Soils & Landscape Science [C] 3
CSS 470 Soil Resources [C] 3
ENT 319 Introduction to Earth System Science [C] 3
GEO 203 Introduction to Meteorology   3
GEO 206 Physical Geography   3
GLG 201 The Dynamic Earth   4
 
MATH and STATISTICS (6 cr.)
Complete ONE of the following courses
MTH 124 Survey of Calculus I   3
MTH 132 Calculus I   3
LBS 118 Calculus I   3
Complete ONE of the following courses
STT 224 Intro to Probability & Statistics for Ecologists   3
STT 231 Statistics for Scientists   3
STT 421 Statistics I   3
 
COMMUNICATION (6 cr.)
Complete ONE of the following courses
WRA 320 Technical Writing   3
WRA 331 Writing in the Public Interest   3
WRA 341 Writing Nature & the Nature of Writing   3
WRA 453 Grant & Proposal Writing   3
Complete ONE of the following courses
ESA 401 Ag & Nat. Resources Communication Campaigns [C] 3
FW 435 Integrated Commun. for the FW Professional [C] 3
JRN 412 Environmental Reporting   3
 
ETHICS and PHILOSOPHY (3 cr.)
Complete ONE of the following courses
FW 438 Philosophy of Ecology [C] 3
PHL 340 Ethics   3
PHL 380 Nature of Science   3
PHL 484 Philosophy of Biological Science   3
PHL 432 Environmental Ethics   3
 
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING (3 cr.)
Complete ONE of the following courses
FW 493 Professional Internship in Fisheries & Wildlife [C] 3
FW 490 Independent Study [C] 3
FW 480 International Studies in Fish & Wildlife [C] 3
FW 499 Senior Thesis in Fisheries & Wildlife [C] 3
 
FISHERES & WILDLIFE CORE (19 cr.)
Complete ALL of the following courses
FW 101 Fisheries & Wildlife Fundamentals [C] 3
FW 101L Fisheries & Wildlife Fundamentals Lab [C] 2
FW 293 Sophomore Seminar in Fisheries & Wildlife [C] 1
FW 364 Ecological Problem Solving [C] 3
FW 424 Population Analysis & Management [C] 4
FW 434 Human Dimension of Fish & Wildlife Management [C] 3
ZOL 355 Ecology   3

[C] = CANR Courses. Must complete at least 26 CANR course credits.

 

Concentrations

Must complete ONE of the following seven concentrations: (1) Conservation Biology; (2) Fisheries Biology & Management; (3) Wildlife Biology & Management; (4) Water Sciences; (5) Fish & Wildlife Disease Ecology & Management; (6) Preveterinary; or (7) Analytical Foundations of Fisheries & Wildlife Biology. See detailed course requirements for each concentration below. These Concentrations are all transcriptable, and will officially appear on your transcripts after you graduate.

Conservation Biology (24 to 26 cr.)
Complete ALL of the following courses (12 cr.)
FW 443 Restoration Ecology [C] 3
FW 444 Conservation Biology [C] 3
PLB 441 Plant Ecology OR ZOL 370 Intro to Zoogeography   3
ZOL 445 Evolution   3
Complete ONE of the following courses (3 to 4 cr.)
CSS 350 Introduction to Plant Genetics [C] 3
ZOL 341 Fundamental Genetics   4
Complete ONE of the following courses (3 cr.)
FW 410 Upland Ecosystem Management [C] 3
FW 414 Aquatic Ecosystem Management [C] 3
FW 416 Marine Ecosystem Management [C] 3
FW 417 Wetland Ecology and Management [C] 3
FW 479 Fisheries Management [C] 3
Complete ONE of the following courses (3 cr.)
EEP 255 Ecological Economics [C] 3
ESA 430 Law & Resources [C] 3
FOR 464 Forest Resource Economics [C] 3
FOR 466 Natural Resource Policy [C] 3
FW 481 Global Issues in Fisheries & Wildlife [C] 3
ZOL 446 Environmental Issues & Public Policy   3
Complete ONE of the following courses (3 to 4 cr.)
ENT 422 Aquatic Entomology [C] 3
FOR 204 Forest Vegetation [C] 4
FW 471 Ichthyology [C] 4
PLB 218 Plants of Michigan   3
PLB 418 Plant Systematics   3
ZOL 360 Biology of Birds   4
ZOL 361 Michigan Birds   4
ZOL 365 Biology of Mammals   4
ZOL 384 Biology of Amphibians & Reptiles   4

Electives: Complete the necessary number of elective credits needed to reach the required 120 credit minimum (123 credits if you were required to complete MTH 1825) for graduation. There are no restrictions on what counts as an elective course, but you're strongly encouraged to speak with Jim Schneider regarding courses that will help you meet your professional objectives.

Students selecting the Conservation Biology Concentration should consider completing the requirements for the Certified Fisheries Scientist, Certified Wildlife Biologist and/or the Professional Wetland Scientist certification programs.

[C] = CANR Courses. Must complete at least 26 CANR course credits.

 

Fisheries Biology & Management (25 to 27 cr.)
Complete ALL of the following courses (12 cr.)
FW 420 Stream Ecology OR FW 472 Limnology [C] 3
FW 471 Ichthyology [C] 4
PLB 479 Fisheries Management [C] 3
ZOL 470 Fisheries Techniques [C] 3
Complete ONE of the following courses (3 cr.)
FW 414 Aquatic Ecosystem Management [C] 3
FW 416 Marine Ecosystem Management [C] 3
FW 417 Wetland Ecology & Management [C] 3
Complete ONE of the following courses (3 or 4 cr.)
ENT 422 Aquatic Entomology [C] 3
ZOL 306 Invertebrate Biology   4
Complete ONE of the following courses (3 cr.)
PLB 418 Plant Systematics   3
PLB 424 Algal Biology   3
Complete ONE of the following courses (3 or 4 cr.)
FW 473 Environmental Fish Physiology [C] 3
ZOL 328 Comparative Anatomy & Biology of Vertebrates   4
ZOL 341 Fundamental Genetics   4
ZOL 483 Environmental Physiology   4

Electives: Complete the necessary number of elective credits needed to reach the required 120 credit minimum (123 credits if you were required to complete MTH 1825) for graduation. At present, there are no restrictions on what counts as an elective course, but you're strongly encouraged to speak with Jim Schneider regarding courses that will help you meet your professional objectives.

Students selecting the Fisheries Biology & Management Concentration should consider completing the requirements for the American Fisheries Society's Certified Fisheries Scientist certification program.

[C] = CANR Courses. Must complete at least 26 CANR course credits.

 

Wildlife Biology & Management (24 to 25 cr.)
Complete ALL of the following courses (9 cr.)
FW 410 Upland Ecosystem Management [C] 3
FW 417 Wetland Ecology & Management [C] 3
FW 413 Wildlife Research & Management Techniques [C] 3
Complete TWO of the following courses (8 cr.)
ZOL 360 Biology of Birds OR ZOL 361 Michigan Birds   4
ZOL 365 Biology of Mammals   4
ZOL 384 Biology of Amphibians & Reptiles   4
Complete ONE of the following courses (3 or 4 cr.)
FOR 204 Forest Vegetation [C] 4
PLB 218 Plants of Michigan   3
PLB 418 Plant Systematics   3
Complete ONE of the following courses (4 cr.)
ZOL 328 Comparative Anatomy & Biology of Vertebrates   4
ZOL 341 Fundamental Genetics   4
ZOL 483 Environmental Physiology   4

Electives: Complete the necessary number of elective credits needed to reach the required 120 credit minimum (123 credits if you were required to complete MTH 1825) for graduation. At present, there are no restrictions on what counts as an elective course, but you're strongly encouraged to speak with Jim Schneider regarding courses that will help you meet your professional objectives.

Students selecting the Wildlife Biology & Management Concentration should consider completing the requirements for The Wildlife Society's Certified Wildlife Biologist certification program.

[C] = CANR Courses. Must complete at least 26 CANR course credits.

 

Water Sciences (24 to 27 cr.)
Complete TWO of the following courses (6 cr.)
FW 472 Limnology [C] 3
FW 420 Stream Ecology [C] 3
FW 417 Wetland Ecology & Management [C] 3
Complete the following course (3 cr.)
FW 474 Limnological Techniques [C] 3
Complete ONE of the following courses (3 cr.)
FW 414 Aquatic Ecosystem Management [C] 3
FW 416 Marine Ecosystem Management [C] 3
FW 479 Fisheries Management [C] 3
Complete ONE of the following courses (3 or 4 cr.)
ZOL 306 Invertebrate Biology   4
ENT 422 Aquatic Entomology [C] 3
FW 471 Ichthyology [C] 4
Complete ONE of the following courses (3 cr.)
PLB 418 Plant Systematics   3
PLB 424 Algal Biology   3
Complete TWO of the following courses (6 or 8 cr.)
FW 454 Environmental Hydrology & Watershed Management [C] 3
FW 473 Environmental Fish Physiology [C] 3
GLG 303 Oceanography   3
GLG 421 Environmental Geochemistry   4
MMG 425 Microbial Ecology   3
MMG 426 Biogeochemistry   3
ZOL 341 Fundamental Genetics   4
ZOL 353 Marine Biology   4
ZOL 483 Environmental Physiology   4

Electives: Complete the necessary number of elective credits needed to reach the required 120 credit minimum (123 credits if you were required to complete MTH 1825) for graduation. There are no restrictions on what counts as an elective course, but you're strongly encouraged to speak with Jim Schneider regarding courses that will help you meet your professional objectives.

Students selecting the Water Sciences Concentration should consider completing the requirements for the Certified Fisheries Scientist and/or the Professional Wetland Scientist certification programs.

[C] = CANR Courses. Must complete at least 26 CANR course credits.

 

Fish & Wildlife Disease Ecology & Management (27 to 28 cr.)
Complete ALL of the following courses (17 cr.)
MMG 301 Introductory Microbiology   3
FW 423 Principles of Fish & Wildlife Disease [C] 3
FW 423L Principles of Fish & Wildlife Disease Laboratory [C] 1
FW 444 Conservation Biology [C] 3
ZOL 445 Evolution   3
EPI 390 Disease in Society: Intro to Epidemiology & Public Health   4
Complete ONE the following courses (4 cr.)
ANS 314 Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animals [C] 4
ZOL 341 Fundamental Genetics   4
Complete ONE of the following courses (3 cr.)
FW 410 Upland Ecosystem Management [C] 3
FW 414 Aquatic Ecosystem Management [C] 3
FW 416 Marine Ecosystem Management [C] 3
FW 417 Wetland Ecology & Management [C] 3
FW 479 Fisheries Management [C] 3
Complete ONE of the following courses (3 or 4 cr.)
FW 471 Ichthyology [C] 4
ZOL 306 Invertebrate Biology   4
ZOL 316 General Parasitology   3
ZOL 360 Biology of Birds   4
ZOL 361 Michigan Birds   4
ZOL 365 Biology of Mammals   4
ZOL 384 Biology of Amphibians & Reptiles   4

Electives: Complete the necessary number of elective credits needed to reach the required 120 credit minimum (123 credits if you were required to complete MTH 1825) for graduation. There are no restrictions on what counts as an elective course, but you're strongly encouraged to speak with Jim Schneider regarding courses that will help you meet your professional objectives.

Students selecting the Fish & Wildlife Disease Ecology & Management Concentration should consider completing the requirements for the Certified Fisheries Scientist and/or the Certified Wildlife Biologist certification programs.

[C] = CANR Courses. Must complete at least 26 CANR course credits.


 

Preveterinary (36 cr)
Complete ALL of the following courses (32 cr.)
ANS 313 Principles of Animal Feeding & Nutrition [C] 4
BMB 401 Basic Biochemistry   4
CEM 251 Organic Chemistry I   3
CEM 252 Organic Chemistry II   3
CEM 255 Organic Chemistry Lab   2
FW 423 Principles of Fish & Wildlife Disease [C] 3
FW 423L Principles of Fish & Wildlife Disease Laboratory [C] 1
MMG 301 Introductory Microbiology   3
MMG 302 Introductory Microbiology Laboratory   1
MMG 409 Eukaryotic Cell Biology   3
PHY 232 Introductory Physics II   3
PHY 251 Introductory Physics Lab I   1
PHY 252 Introductory Physics Lab II   1
Complete ONE of the following courses (4 cr.)
ANS 314 Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animals [C] 4
ZOL 341 Fundamental Genetics   4

Electives: Complete the necessary number of elective credits needed to reach the required 120 credit minimum (123 credits if you were required to complete MTH 1825) for graduation. There are no restrictions on what counts as an elective course, but you're strongly encouraged to speak with Jim Schneider regarding courses that will help you meet your professional objectives.

[C] = CANR Courses. Must complete at least 26 CANR course credits.


 

Analytical Foundations of Fisheries & Wildlife Biology (24 to 29 cr.)
Complete ONE course from each following four groups (12 or 15 cr.)
1 CEM 142 General & Inorganic Chemistry   3
CEM 152 Principles of Chemistry   3
LBS 172 Principles of Chemistry II - Reactivity   3
2 LBS 272 Physics II   3
PHY 184 Physics for Scientists & Engineers II   4
PHY 232 Introductory Physics II   3
3 LBS 119 Calculus II   4
MTH 126 Survey of Calculus II   3
MTH 133 Calculus II   4
4 CSS 350 Introduction to Plant Genetics [C] 3
ZOL 341 Fundamental Genetics   4
Complete the following course (3 cr.)
ZOL 445 Evolution   3
Complete ONE of the following courses (3 cr.)
FW 410 Upland Ecosystem Management [C] 3
FW 414 Aquatic Ecosystem Management [C] 3
FW 416 Marine Ecosystem Management [C] 3
FW 417 Wetland Ecology & Management [C] 3
FW 479 Fisheries Management [C] 3
Complete ONE of the following courses (3 to 4 cr.)
ENT 422 Aquatic Entomology [C] 3
FW 471 Ichthyology [C] 4
PLB 418 Plant Systematics   3
PLB 424 Algal Biology   3
ZOL 360 Biology of Birds   4
ZOL 361 Michigan Birds   4
ZOL 365 Biology of Mammals   4
ZOL 384 Biology of Amphibians & Reptiles   4
Complete at least 3 credits of additional Fisheries & Wildlife (FW) course(s), 300-level or higher
FW 300+   [C] 3

Electives: Complete the necessary number of elective credits needed to reach the required 120 credit minimum (123 credits if you were required to complete MTH 1825). There are no restrictions on what counts as an elective course, but you're strongly encouraged to speak with Jim Schneider regarding courses that will help you meet your professional objectives. Be sure that you've also completed the required minimum 26 CANR course credits [C].

Students selecting the Analytical Foundations of Fisheries & Wildlife Biology Concentration should consider completing the requirements for the Certified Fisheries Scientist, Certified Wildlife Biologist and/or the Professional Wetland Scientist certification programs.

[C] = CANR Courses. Must complete at least 26 CANR course credits.


 

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