USU is the only university in the state with a college devoted to the study of natural resources, and the degree in wildlife biology is one of the few academic programs in the nation where students can study the management of human-wildlife conflict. Professors in the department have a wide array of interest areas in wildlife biology that students can study and are renowned for securing research grants and publishing their research. The department promotes a particular focus on current issues and concerns in natural resources, such as climate change, endangered species, restoration of sagebrush steppe systems and other landscapes, and human-wildlife conflict. The MS degree is offered for students motivated toward a management or administrative career in natural resources. The MS may be obtained through either a Plan A (research thesis) or Plan B (nonthesis) program.