Welcome To RWFM

Howdy!

Our department was established in January 2020 after a restructuring of the former Ecosystem Science and Management (ESSM) and Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences (WFSC) departments. As a result of the reorganization, the Departments of Ecology and Conservation Biology (ECCB) and RWFM were established. The mission of RWFM is “Preparing the next generation of natural resource stewards through teaching, research, and engagement” which are the primary pillars of the Land Grant mission. Our vision is to accomplish our mission through a vision that focuses on “the sound stewardship of natural resources for present and future generations through the Land Grant mission.” We are excited for what the future holds. Our research focuses on the development and application of solutions to management needs, problems, and policies related to natural resource issues in Texas and beyond. Teaching efforts are championed by faculty using evidence- and field-based practices focused in rangeland, wildlife, and fisheries management and policy.

One characteristic of a Land Grant University academic department is the presence of an Extension unit. Extension faculty disseminate science-based knowledge associated with rangeland, wildlife, and fisheries management to landowners, industry professionals, and law makers. Efforts focus on identifying, solving, and communicating solutions for natural resources management problems to Texas’ stakeholders. Naturally, the reputation and reach of the Extension program will have broad impact across the state and nation. 

The department offers an undergraduate major in rangeland, wildlife, and fisheries management and policy to meet employment opportunities in federal or state agencies, private industry, consulting, or other landowner-focused entities. The major includes experiential learning field programs/internships in rangeland, wildlife, and fisheries management to provide a firm foundation in field skills necessary for accreditation bodies (i.e., The Wildlife Society [TWS], Society of Range Management [SRM], American Fisheries Society [AFS]). The undergraduate major also offers accounting/pre-business, management, law and policy electives to better prepare students. 

The department offers a graduate program for M.S. and Ph.D. students that will prepare individuals for advanced careers in the private sector, agencies, academia, or other services. Due to the nature of the workplace, and skills required to successfully perform duties asked of field biologists M.S. degrees are essential for many positions in natural resource professions. The RWFM degrees also provide students with experience conducting and interpreting results from problems-focused field research. The Ph.D. degree is an interdisciplinary program focused on training future leaders in the profession that simultaneously emphasizes data- and field experience-based decisions to inform management and policy.  

We encourage you to explore our website, like us on social media, and contact us if you have any questions.