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Minimum Requirements for Fisheries Ph.D.: 36 credits

Note: At least 9 of the required 18 non-thesis Ph.D. degree credits must be at the F600 level, other courses must be at least at the F400 level.  

Complete the following general university admission requirements for graduate programs.

1. Submit an application for admission
2. Submit official transcripts
3. Official test results: GRE scores are not required, but may be considered if submitted
4. Submit resume/curriculum vitae
5. Submit statement of academic goals
6. Submit 3 letters of recommendation

International Students: Please consult UAF’s most recent application requirements regarding English language proficiency.

Additional program admission requirements and information:

1. Complete a master’s degree in a fisheries-related field or meet the requirements as outlined below to be accepted directly into a Ph.D. program without a master’s degree.

Admission to Ph.D. Program Directly from Bachelor’s Program:

Entering graduate students whose highest earned degree is the baccalaureate are normally admitted as Master of Science students. However, exceptionally able and accomplished students in this category are eligible for direct admission to the Ph.D. program. Criteria for direct admission to the Ph.D. program from the baccalaureate are:

1. Endorsement by proposed chair of graduate advisory committee AND 2 or 3 below.
2. At least one first-authored manuscript published or accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal or receipt of an NSF, NIH, or similar prestigious pre-doctoral fellowship. OR
3. Demonstrated research proficiency (e.g. undergraduate thesis, Research Experiences for Undergraduates or other intensive research experience) documented in the application AND either
   1. attained a GPA of at least 3.5 at the undergraduate level, or
   2. scored at the 80% level in two of three categories in the GRE.

Students who elect this route must fulfill course requirements as outlined for both the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Applicants who do not meet these criteria may enter the graduate program as M.S. candidates, and in exceptional cases may petition for conversion to the Ph.D. program after advancement to candidacy (for the M.S.). Such petitions must be approved both by the student’s current (M.S.) and proposed (Ph.D.) advisory committee and the department director or designee.

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Footnote Definitions

Catalog Department Overview ►

Learning Outcomes are specific, measurable statements that define the knowledge and skills students will gain by the end of the program.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Develop a written dissertation that includes publishable scientific papers using clear language, logic, and convincing arguments
• Deliver a professional oral presentation and respond to questions with confidence
• Display mastery of relevant knowledge of fishery science in a range of subject areas identified by the committee
• Be experts in the subject area of their dissertation
• Recognize assumptions, evaluate arguments and draw conclusions
• Demonstrate mastery in data collection, analysis, interpretation and reporting
• Be prepared to teach fisheries science courses in universities and four-year colleges, at the upper-division and graduate levels
• Be prepared to compete successfully for senior professional career positions
• Demonstrate the ability to prepare and publish peer-reviewed manuscripts in professional journals