University of Guelph

What you'll study

The M.W.B. curriculum blends core ecological theory with practical techniques used in contemporary wildlife science. You will study subjects such as population and community ecology, wildlife habitat management, conservation genetics, wildlife disease ecology, and the human dimensions of wildlife conservation.

• Core topics: population dynamics, conservation planning, wildlife policy and legislation.
• Quantitative and technical skills: experimental design, applied statistics for ecology, spatial analysis and GIS, telemetry and tracking methods.
• Field and laboratory skills: animal handling and capture techniques, remote sensing, biodiversity surveying, sample processing and molecular methods.
• Applied project: a supervised research or applied management project that integrates coursework with data collection and analysis in a real‑world context.

Programme delivery emphasises field seasons, small seminar classes, lab work and opportunities to work alongside faculty and partners on ongoing conservation projects. Students typically complete a combination of coursework and a major research or applied project under faculty supervision.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a four‑year honours bachelor’s degree or equivalent in biology, ecology, wildlife biology, natural resources, or a closely related discipline, with strong academic performance. Selection favours candidates who demonstrate relevant field or laboratory experience and clear research or professional goals.

• Academic record: competitive standing in an undergraduate honours programme in a relevant field.
• Experience: practical experience such as fieldwork, internships, seasonal technician roles, or laboratory work is strongly recommended.
• Supporting documents: academic transcripts, a statement of research/professional interests, curriculum vitae, and academic or professional references.
• English language proficiency: required for applicants whose first language is not English; accepted tests and scores are specified by the University.

Career prospects

Graduates of the M.W.B. programme are prepared for technical, managerial and research roles across the conservation and natural‑resource sectors. Common career outcomes include positions as wildlife biologists, conservation scientists, field technicians, habitat restoration specialists, and environmental consultants.

• Employment with federal, provincial/state and municipal wildlife and natural‑resource agencies.
• Roles in non‑governmental conservation organisations and wildlife rehabilitation centres.
• Positions with environmental consulting firms focusing on impact assessment, mitigation and monitoring.
• Research technician roles or continued academic study at the doctoral level for those pursuing research careers.

Why study at University of Guelph

The University of Guelph is well regarded for applied agricultural and environmental science and offers excellent access to field infrastructure, research farms, and regional conservation areas. Students benefit from close collaboration with faculty who have active programmes in wildlife ecology, conservation genetics and landscape ecology, and from partnerships with government and conservation organisations in Ontario and beyond.

• Hands‑on training: extensive fieldwork opportunities and access to real management projects.
• Interdisciplinary environment: strong links across ecology, veterinary science, agricultural sciences and environmental policy.
• Professional networks: connections with government agencies, NGOs and industry that support placements and applied projects.