Wildlife Ecology and Conservation department

Admission Process: Non-Thesis MS

Funding for tuition and stipend is not available from the Department to support Non-thesis MS degrees. Be aware that you must pay all expenses.

Non-thesis online MS degree with a concentration in Wildlife Forensic Sciences and Conservation.

Admission for this degree is handled through the Maples Center for Forensic Medicine. Please see this link, https://masters.wildlife.forensics.med.ufl.edu.

Non-thesis MS degree, on-campus program.

Step 1) Visit and read the information on this page: https://wec.ifas.ufl.edu/graduate-students/wec-ms-non-thesis-students/). Then if you are interested in applying, you must first contact a potential faculty (see Step 2) to determine their availability to serve as a coursework advisors for the non-thesis MS program. (NOTE: The number of non-thesis students in our program is limited by how many students each advisor elects to take. If no advisors can accept you, then you must look elsewhere for a different degree program.)

Step 2) When ready to contact potential faculty advisors, prepare an email that explains why you are seeking this degree (i.e., how would a non-thesis degree help to achieve your career goals). Be sure to attach a current CV that summarizes your academic training, work history, and future employment goals.

Step 3) Once you have gained an explicit invitation from a faculty member who states they will advise you, then complete your application as outlined below.

All applications must be submitted online through the Graduate School web page (https://admissions.ufl.edu/apply/graduate/). You will sign up for an account there, upload your application materials, and send reference letter links. In addition, there will be a ‘Florida residency affidavit’ (where you declare whether you meet the Florida residency requirements or not) and a ‘conduct declaration.’

You must prepare the following materials for your application to the non-thesis MS program: 1) A detailed curriculum vitae outlining your work, volunteer, and educational experience, plus any other relevant information (e.g., awards, skills); 2) official transcripts; 3) a personal statement (500 words); 4) three letters of recommendation.

Contact Michael Dial (michael.dial@ufl.edu) to discuss the particulars of this process.

NOTE: the costs of attending and self-funding graduate school (in-state) at UF are summarized in this brochure.

If you are a UF employee then see these links for reduced degree costs via the Employee Education Program.