Successful applicants generally have a bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology or a closely related field, students with other backgrounds may be accepted depending on an appropriate level of ecological expertise and an advisor willing to supervise the student.

Preliminary decisions regarding acceptance into the M.S. program will be made using the following criteria:

Submission of all materials listed above. Graduate admissions rankings will be based on GPA, demonstrated ability to learn necessary skills, achievements in research, outreach, education, and community activities, strong motivations for the degree, demonstrations of leadership, adaptability, accomplishments, as well as letters of recommendation.
Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (out of 4.0) in undergraduate work.
For applicants whose native language is not English, the applicant must have a minimum TOEFL score of 80, an IELTS score of 6.5.