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.
Program Structure
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.
Curriculum
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 the 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.
- See an overview of general research areas here
- See examples of past students’ research here
- Read guidance for finding a faculty advisor here
- Find our application requirements here