Admissions

The Fisheries and Wildlife Graduate Admissions Review Committee evaluates applications. Candidates whose qualifications meet the requirements of the review committee will pass the preliminary acceptance phase. Final acceptance is contingent upon the student being accepted by a member of the OSU graduate faculty with an appointment in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences.

Admissions requirements

• A four-year baccalaureate degree, preferably in a biological field, with a 3.0 GPA (B average)
• GRE scores are generally required for entrance into the PSMFWA program, and the standard for admission is upper 50th percentile on each section of the exam (verbal, quantitative, analytical writing).
  • However, if you are enrolled in either the fisheries management or wildlife management graduate certificate online with Oregon State, the GRE requirement may be waived with the approval of your prospective PSM advisor.
• Applications are evaluated for overall merit, including test scores, GPA and professional experience. Students from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

When to apply

The PSMFWA program admits students on a rolling basis each quarter.
You should have the support of a faculty advisor and your application with all supporting materials submitted at least 30 days prior to the start of the term for which you intend to start.

How to apply

Locate an advisor

The Fisheries and Wildlife Graduate Admissions Review Committee evaluates applications based on academic and professional merit. Candidates whose qualifications meet the requirements of the review committee will pass the preliminary acceptance phase. Final acceptance is contingent upon the student being accepted by a member of the OSU graduate faculty with an appointment in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences.

Apply to the OSU Graduate School

• View complete graduate admissions requirements for Oregon State.
• Apply as a degree-seeking student through the OSU Graduate School’s online application form. Make sure to select "Fisheries and Wildlife Administration (PSM)" as your planned course of study/major.
• The nonrefundable application fee is $75.
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
• Students who are already admitted to a graduate certificate program should contact the coordinator of that program about how to apply.

Submit department-required documents

• Three professional references Provide the names and email addresses of former employers, professors or colleagues who are familiar with your skills in writing, communications, teamwork and time management. These individuals will be contacted directly by the OSU Graduate School and asked to upload their letters using an automated online system.
• A statement of objectives. This is a one-page document that includes your reasons for pursuing this degree program, your long-range career plans, ideas for potential internships and specific areas of interest or academic concentration to help us identify potential advisors for you. The statement of objectives can be filled out through the online application or submitted with the rest of the departmental requirements.
• A CV or résumé.
• GRE institution code for OSU is 4586. If you have taken the GRE prior to applying but are waiting on scores, you may submit your application pending receipt of your GRE results.
• International applicants must also submit documents and language test scores that are outlined on the graduate admissions international applicant webpage.

Consider starting with a graduate certificate

The Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences strongly recommends that prospective PSM students first enroll in either the fisheries management or wildlife management graduate certificate programs. Starting with the graduate certificate program allows you to determine that online learning is a good fit, and allows you time to take the GRE and to find a faculty advisor for the PSMFWA program.

Up to 22 credits of graduate level coursework taken during a graduate certificate program can be applied towards the PSMFWA degree requirements as long as the courses are part of both curricula. However, please be aware that completing the certificate does not guarantee admission to the PSMFWA program.

If you are currently enrolled in a graduate certificate program at Oregon State, you should contact the coordinator of that program about how to submit an application to the PSMFWA program.