The Professional Science Master's (PSM) in Natural Sciences – Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management Specialization is a unique opportunity to blend business skills and applied science with a specific focus on helping animal organizations. Our two-year Professional Science Master’s degree program focuses on experiential learning and development of skills in addition to academic learning. 

The PSM in Natural Sciences, Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management Specialization is an affiliated Professional Science Master’s (PSM) degree. Affiliation is administered by the Commission on Affiliation of PSM Programs (formerly named PSM National Office) to ensure a strong and distinctive PSM brand. The PSM is designed for students who are seeking a graduate degree in science or mathematics and understand the need for developing workplace skills valued by top employers.

Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this program. students will be able to:

  1. Compare and contrast biological aspects of different animals kept in captivity and how this affects their care, diet and behavior evaluation and assessment of welfare.
  2. Apply critical thinking in solving animal-related issues, including how ethical dilemmas relate to animal organizations.
  3. Analyze and develop their approach to leadership in animal organizations, including managing human capital, communication, conflict resolution and how their personal characteristics affect their leadership style.

Innovate and apply techniques in marketing, fundraising, donor cultivation, grant writing, non-profit accounting and finance to benefit animal organizations.
 

Official logo of the Professional Science Master's program.

Effective Fall 2024

NSCI 579/VS 579Applied Animal Behavior4
NSCI 601PSM Ethics for Animal Professionals1
NSCI 611Leadership in Animal Organizations3
NSCI 621Workplace Wellness - Animal Organizations3
NSCI 631Non-Profit Marketing and Community Relations3
NSCI 641Fiscal Management for Animal Welfare Leaders2
NSCI 651Non-Profit Fund Development and Grant Writing3
NSCI 688APSM Capstone: Preparation2
NSCI 688BPSM Capstone: Proposal Writing2
NSCI 688CPSM Capstone: Project1
NSCI 688DPSM Capstone: Support for Deliverable and Job Search2
NSCI 688EPSM Capstone: Completion3
NSCI 693AGraduate Seminar: Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter Management4
Select one course from the following:2-3
Pet Nutrition
Zoo Nutrition
Animal Metabolism
Professional skills electives (select from the list below with approval of advisor)8-9
Program Total Credits:43-45

A minimum of 43 credits are required to complete this program.  

Professional Skills Electives

Aquarium
BZ 415Marine Biology4
BZ 515Physiological Ecology of Marine Vertebrates3
FW 300Biology and Diversity of Fishes2
FW 405Fish Physiology3
FW 540Fisheries Ecology3
Behavior
ANEQ 315Equine Behavior2
ANTH 370Primates3
ANTH 375Evolution of Primate Behavior3
BMS 325Cellular Neurobiology3
BMS 505/NB 505Neuronal Circuits, Systems and Behavior3
BZ 430Animal Behavior and Conservation3
BZ 433Behavioral Genetics3
BZ 479/VS 479Biology and Behavior of Dogs3
BZ 505Cognitive Ecology3
BZ 535Behavioral and Cognitive Ecology3
PSY 600EAdvanced Psychology: Animal Learning3
Breeding/Reproduction
ANEQ 310Animal Reproduction3
ANEQ 312Animal Ultrasonography2
ANEQ 328Foundations in Animal Genetics3
ANEQ 330Principles of Animal Breeding3
ANEQ 334Principles of Equine Genetics3
BMS 521Comparative Reproductive Physiology3
BMS 640Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology4
BMS 642Research Techniques for Gametes and Embryos1
Comparative Physiology/Taxonomy
BZ 3294
BZ 3304
BZ 335Ornithology4
BZ 401Comparative Animal Physiology3
FW 300Biology and Diversity of Fishes2
Companion Animal
ANEQ 322Pet Nutrition2
BZ 479/VS 479Biology and Behavior of Dogs3
SOWK 550Animal Assisted Therapy and Human-Animal Bond3
Education and Human Dimensions
EDRM 707Quantitative Data Collection Methods/Analysis3
EDRM 708Narrative Inquiry3
EDRM 711Ethnographic Research3
NRRT 505Environmental Education History and Theory3
NRRT 506Methods in Environmental Education Research3
NRRT 507Environmental Education Planning3
NRRT 508Current Issues in Environmental Education3
Habitat Design
HORT 331Landscape Design2
LAND 365Landscape Contract Drawing and Specifications3
LAND 366Landscape Design Expression4
Nutrition
ANEQ 322Pet Nutrition2
ANEQ 323Zoo Nutrition2
ANEQ 345Principles of Nutrition: Equine Applications3
ANEQ 720Nutritional Energetics3
ANEQ 725Rumen Metabolism3
NR 367Concepts in Vertebrate Nutrition3
Management
BUS 500Foundations for Business Impact2
BUS 614Accounting Concepts2
BUS 615Managerial Accounting2
FIN 305Fundamentals of Finance3
MKT 370Digital Marketing3
NR 401Techniques in Public Relations2
NR 501Leadership and Public Communications3
NR 535Action for Sustainable Behavior3
NR 555Preparation of Grant Proposals2
NRRT 460Tourism Event and Conference Planning3
NRRT 471Starting and Managing Tourism Enterprise3

For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.

Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees

NOTE:  Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.

Forms are available online.

Step Due Date
1. Application for admission (online) Six months before first registration
2. Diagnostic examination when required Before first registration
3. Appointment of advisor Before first registration
4. Selection of graduate committee Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) Two terms prior to final examination
7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) Within two working days after results are known
8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) When change is made
9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website
9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying
10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee
11. Final examination Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website
12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website.
14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
15. Graduation Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website