The Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, offers a prestigious Master’s Program in Wildlife Science, Freshwater Ecology and Ornithology (SACON). These two-year residential courses are designed to train young professionals in the scientific principles of wildlife ecology, conservation biology, and natural resource management. The program combines rigorous academic instruction with extensive field training, providing a unique balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects including ecology, wildlife biology, habitat management, biostatistics, remote sensing and GIS, conservation genetics, environmental law, and human dimensions of wildlife management. Field modules are integral to the program and involve exposure to various ecosystems and research methodologies.
Admission to the program is highly competitive and conducted through a national-level entrance examination followed by interviews. Selected students are provided with stipends and access to WII’s world-class research infrastructure, including laboratories, GIS facilities, and reference collections.
Graduates of the program are well-equipped to take up careers in conservation research, government services, NGOs, and international agencies, or pursue higher academic research. The program has produced many of India’s leading wildlife scientists and conservation practitioners, contributing significantly to national and global biodiversity conservation efforts.
