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Graduate Field of Natural Resources and the Environment

Work collaboratively to improve environmental sustainability

Join our mission to improve society’s stewardship of the environment and promote a conservation ethos for a sustainable planet. We continue to be a world leader in scholarship addressing social and ecological dimensions of natural resources and the environment. We also foster a strong sense of community within the Graduate Field, which includes graduate faculty and students from within the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and across the university.

Woman standing next to river with buildings in background.

Jillian Cohen, Ph.D. in Natural Resources and the Environment, along the banks of the Potomac River near Washington D.C.

Graduate Field of Natural Resources and the Environment

The Field of Natural Resources and the Environment offers students the freedom to design a graduate program that addresses their individual interests. Students work with faculty advisors to identify course requirements and to define a research or professional project.

We offer the following "concentrations" for our degree programs:

  • Conservation Biology
  • Forest Science
  • Wildlife Science
  • Fishery and Aquatic Science
  • Quantitative Ecology
  • Applied Ecology
  • Policy and Institutional Analysis
  • Risk Analysis and Management
  • Ecosystem Biology and Biogeochemistry
  • Program Development and Evaluation
  • Community-based Natural Resource Management
  • Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management

Students pursue advanced study leading to the following degrees:

  • Master of Science (M.S.)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Professional Studies (MPS)

 

 

Typical expectations for admitted graduate students include:

  • Undergraduate Major – Students are accepted from a range of undergraduate majors in the natural and social sciences, as well as math and humanities.
  • Letters of Recommendation – Letters of support from university faculty members or other professional researchers provide the best indication of an applicant’s ability to effectively pursue graduate research.
  • Statement of purpose – Students should provide a clear and concise statement of their proposed research and coursework interests, as well as relevant past experiences that have led them to those interests.
  • Work experience – Most of our students have several years of relevant work experience following completion of their undergraduate degree.

Any additional considerations regarding your credentials should be discussed with faculty members who are considering you for admission. For more information, please visit the Application Procedure page. 

Master of Science (M.S.)

The Graduate Field of Natural Resources and the Environment offers advanced studies leading to the Master of Science research degree. The M.S. degree requires a focus on primary research, including supplemental courses at the graduate level and completion of a thesis (M.S.). Please visit the Graduate Program page for more information.

 

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or M.S./Ph.D.

You can also apply to the M.S./Ph.D. program where you complete both an M.S. and Ph.D. as part of your graduate program. Please visit the Graduate Program page for more information.

Master of Professional Studies (MPS)

A Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Natural Resources and the Environment is available for students whose interests are not primarily research-oriented. This degree is typically pursued by those already employed in a professional capacity who plan to continue in this field, yet seek further coursework to upgrade their skills and knowledge. The MPS degree requires the completion of a professional paper in addition to coursework.

For more information about the Master of Professional Studies please visit the Natural Resources MPS page. 

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More about Natural Resources and the Environment

Research Areas

The Department of Natural Resources and the Environment conducts research on many aspects of environmental science and sustainability.

Read about current research projects
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Natural Resources and the Environment Field

The Field of Natural Resources and the Environment provides freedom to design a graduate program that addresses the individual interests of students. Excellent laboratory and field facilities are available. Many graduate students in the field also pursue international research topics.

Learn more about Natural Resources and the Environment
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Graduate Student Life

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Concentrations

Within the Graduate Field of Natural Resources and the Environment, we offer the following concentrations for our degree programs, including conservation biology, forest science, wildlife science and more.

Explore your opportunities

A CALS education goes beyond the classroom and gives students frequent opportunities to apply what they learn in real-world settings.