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SDSU Brookings Campus Weather Related Announcement

The South Dakota State University campus will be closing from 5 p.m. on Friday, March 31 until 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, due to the Blizzard Warning that will go into effect 7 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. on Saturday morning.  SDSU will then return to the normal weekend schedule on Saturday morning. Only essential employees as deemed by their supervisors will report to work during the closure hours. On Friday morning, ensure you continue to monitor the weather and work with your supervisor or instructor on your individual travel concerns. For additional closure information please check the Emergency Management website

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Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences (Ph.D.)

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  • Location IconBrookings Main Campus

Study of the biology and ecology of wildlife and fish species to be able to successfully conserve and manage them for their long term persistence.

The Ph.D. degree program in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences is intended to educate students for upper-level management, research, and administrative positions with state and federal agencies, private companies, and academic institutions. Academic career opportunities also exist for Ph.D. graduates in all the Departmental disciplines, preparing students for the responsibilities of teaching, research, and service, required for faculty positions with universities and colleges. By building on the educational foundation that students obtain from B.S. and M.S. degree work, we endeavor to raise them to a higher intellectual plateau. While coursework is involved, this educational experience is primarily based on research and mentoring. This degree requires original thought and research contributions, synthesis and development of information, and contributions to the world and its natural resources.

Is it for you?

This program will be a good fit if you:

  • Have an undergraduate or master's degree in biology or related field
  • Are interested in wildlife species and habitats
  • Like learning about wildlife ecology
  • Care about conservation and management of wildlife for the future
  • Enjoy spending time outdoors and want to be out in the field doing research

Career Opportunities

  • State and Federal Wildlife or Fisheries Biologist
  • Hatchery Manager
  • Natural Resource Consultant
  • Park Naturalist
  • Research Scientist
  • Academic Professor and Researcher