Research Degrees - MS and PhD
Through cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary training, SENR equips graduate students to drive innovation and shape the future of environmental sustainability and natural resource stewardship.
Master of Science (MS)
The Master of Science (MS) in the Environment and Natural Resources Graduate Program is a research degree that engages students in course work, study, and research leading to the production of a scholarly master’s thesis and publication in refereed, professional journals. The program prepares students to be critical thinkers who are familiar with the concepts, theories and research methodologies in their fields.
While the creative idea for investigation may originate with the student’s advisor, students in our program will demonstrate rigor in becoming familiar with literature relevant to the research topic, identify questions that can realistically be pursued as a master’s thesis, design and carry out appropriate studies or experiments to address those questions, analyze the results of those studies or experiments and incorporate those results into a coherent master’s thesis.
Students graduating with this degree will be well-prepared to pursue a wide variety of careers in environmental and natural resources science, management, policy and education in government, non-profits and the private sector. Some alumni enter employment in one of these fields after graduation, while others continue their education in a doctoral program in ENRGP or elsewhere.
The intended time to degree for a full-time MS student is two academic years, but individual progress and the seasonality of data collection may increase a student’s time to completion. The time to degree completion can vary, but a typical timeline for a full-time MS student is two to three years, depending on the student's preparation and the demands of fieldwork and data collection. Part-time enrollment is possible with the compliance of a willing faculty advisor.
Completing the MS requires at least 30 graduate credits in the following areas:
- Core credits in coursework that will prepare students for master's-level research and thesis development in environment and natural resources, as well as seminars on current topics. (5 credits)
- Elective courses that will provide students with an understanding of the theory and methodology underpinning their chosen area of research. (At least 15 credits)
- Research credit, which will be earned each semester under the supervision of the student's advisor. (10 credits will apply to the completion of the MS)
- The choice of elective coursework will be developed between the student and the advisor.
Doctoral Program (PhD)
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the Environment and Natural Resources Graduate Program is an advanced research degree that prepares students to pursue high-level, independent, scholarly research. Students will contribute to the body of knowledge in environmental sustainability and the management of natural resources through the completion of their dissertation.
To do so, doctoral students will formulate research questions that probe the limits of what is known, identify the major issues involved and develop a thorough understanding of the relevant theory bases and methodologies. They will demonstrate creativity in research design and critical rigor in analyzing and discussing their findings, culminating in the defense and publication of their dissertation.
Students graduating with this degree will be well-prepared to pursue academic careers as well as research careers in government and the private sector. Alumni pursue careers as leaders in academia, industry, government, policy development or research innovation.
There are two tracks that students can pursue to earn a PhD in the Environment and Natural Resources Graduate Program, depending on their background.
Regular-admit track: Students who have completed or are in the process of completing a research-based master’s degree may enter on the regular-admit track. This is the typical track to complete a PhD in our program, after students have completed a master's degree in ENRGP or elsewhere.
Direct-admit track: Exceptional students who have not completed a research-based master's degree but are academically prepared to begin the long-term goal of completing a doctoral dissertation may be considered for admission to the direct-admit track. This includes those who will enter with only a bachelor's degree and those who have completed a master's degree that did not require the completion of original research (e.g., a professional or applied science degree, such as a Master of Business Administration or our own Master of Environment and Natural Resources).
Direct-admit PhD applicants must have demonstrated excellent academic potential and have completed relevant research experience in an academic or professional setting that has undergone peer-review or defense, such as a defended undergraduate or honors research thesis, presentations at scientific conferences, a funded scientific research grant or authorship of an accepted scientific journal publication. Applicants who do not meet these requirements but are otherwise prepared for graduate study may be offered admission to the Master of Science and can pursue the PhD under the regular-admit track following the completion of the masters.
The time to degree completion will vary depending on the track followed, the student's preparation, and the demands of fieldwork and data collection. Full-time students can earn a PhD in three to four years under the regular-admit track or five to six years in the direct-admit track. Part-time enrollment may be possible, but time limits on courses taken and during the dissertation-writing period limit the feasibility of part-time enrollment.
Completing the PhD under either track requires the completion of at least 80 credits. Regular-admit PhD students will receive 30 transfer credits for their previous master's degree and will only need to complete 50 post-master's credits. Direct-admit PhD students with previous graduate credit may earn up to 30 transfer credits for relevant master's-level course work, if any.
The required credits will come from these categories:
- Core credits in the study of scientific research paradigms and in seminars focusing on current issues across disciplines (8 credits)
- Elective courses to develop a depth of understanding in the research area (13 hours regular-admit; 27 credits direct-admit)
- Methodology courses to develop the methods and skills to pursue original research (9 credits regular-admit; 15 credits direct-admit)
- Research credit, which will be earned each semester under the supervision of the student's advisor (up to 20 for regular-admit; up to 30 for direct-admit)
The choice of elective and methodology courses is guided by the dissertation research topic. Read about our general research areas for inspiration.
All doctoral students must also demonstrate a basic level of interdisciplinary training through the Interdisciplinary Requirement, which requires that a student take a course in a field of science outside of their own: students focusing on natural sciences must take a social science course and vice versa. Students who have already taken such a course before entering the doctoral program may be able to use that course to complete this requirement.
All doctoral students will complete the Verbal Communication Requirement, which will prepare students for science communication through presentations to three different types of audiences: to a specialized audience in a scientific meeting; to an interdisciplinary audience in an academic setting; and to a lay audience in a non-academic setting. You will work with your advisor to find and prepare for such opportunities, and students are encouraged to begin seeking these opportunities early.
Direct-admit students have an additional requirement to complete a scholarly paper, which will include empirical data or be a substantive review and critique of a significant problem in the student’s area of study.
Dual and combined degrees
Students at the Ohio State University can pursue dual or combined degrees. The flexible curriculum of the Environment and Natural Resources Graduate Program makes it especially easy for our students to pursue this. This option allows students to broaden their expertise and enhance their credentials by pursuing two distinct degrees and completing them in less time by sharing credits between them.
A dual degree program is when a student enrolls in two separate graduate programs (programs under the jurisdiction of Ohio State's Graduate School). These can be a master's degree and either another master's degree or even a doctoral degree. By sharing credits, it is possible to complete two 2-year master's programs in only three years.
A combined degree program is when a student is simultaneously enrolled in a graduate program (under the jurisdiction of Ohio State's Graduate Program) and either an undergraduate program (e.g. a Bachelor of Science) or a professional program (e.g. law).
We welcome inquiries from both current Ohio State students in other programs and those interested in applying to Ohio State; please submit inquiries to enrgrad@osu.edu.
Students must apply separately to each intended program, but you can begin one program and then apply to the second one at a later point. Those interested should reach out to each individual program before applying in order to understand the requirements.
Below, you will find further information about the more common dual or combined degree options with ENRGP. We welcome inquiries from Ohio State students in other programs, as well.
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Dual MS/MENR and Master of Public Administration (MPA)
This dual degree lends itself perfectly to those interested in environmental policy, whether you want to become a scholar or a lobbyist.
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Dual MS/MENR and City and Regional Plannning (MCRP)
We understand the importance of sustainable growth. This dual degree program explores the impact of urban development on the environment, how cities can incorporate sustainable elements, and more. It is perfect for those who wish to become city and regional planners with a demonstrable understanding of the ecological impact of development, or aspiring environmental scholars whose research interests include this area of study
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Combined MS/MENR and Juris Doctorae (JD)
An excellent choice for students interested in practicing environmental law or specializing in issues of environmental justice.