Master of Science & Doctor of Philosophy (MS & PhD)

The Graduate Field of Natural Resources offers advanced studies leading to the degrees of MS and PhD. We offer two research degrees: the Master of Science and Doctorate of Philosophy. You can also apply to the MS/PhD program where you complete both an MS and PhD as part of your graduate program. These degrees require a focus on primary research, including supplemental courses at the graduate level and completion of a thesis (MS) or dissertation (PhD).

In order to be admitted to one of our research degree programs, a faculty member must be willing to supervise and ensure funding for a prospective student. Therefore it is important that you correspond with and obtain sponsorship from a faculty advisor during the application process. A faculty member must sponsor your application for review by the Admissions Committee in order to be offered admission. Individual mentoring by faculty is fundamental to our philosophy of graduate education and to the success of our students.

Alumni Spotlight

Anne Armstrong

Anne Armstrong completed her dissertation in May, 2022. This fall, she will be joining the faculty of Worcester State University as an Assistant Professor of Human Geography in the Department of Earth, Environment and Physics. She will miss DNRE and Ithaca dearly but looks forward to this next step in her academic journey!

Alumni Spotlight

Sarah Naiman

Sarah Naiman completed her dissertation on the motivators of U.S. Latine environmentalism in July 2022. She recently started a role as a Senior Consultant at Opinion Dynamics where she utilizes her social science training to promote more effective conservation practices and equitable access to renewable energy. In her free time, she sits on the national board of Clean Water Action, helping to guide the organization as it works to achieve its environmental and diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice goals nationwide.

Student Spotlight

Brett Hayhurst

Brett Hayhurst completed his thesis in July 2022. This fall he will continue working towards a doctorate as a part of the M.S./Ph.D. program at the DNRE. His research effort collaborates with multiple levels of Federal, state, and academia to evaluate the performance of habitat restoration of urban freshwater estuaries using physical and biological community indices in the Great Lakes.

Learn more about Brett Hayhurst and his work.

Alumni Spotlight

Robi Nilson

Robi completed her PhD in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment advised by Dr. Rich Stedman in August 2022. She recently started a new position as a Renewable Energy Social Science Postdoctoral Fellow in the Electricity Markets and Policy Department at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. With the Berkeley Lab, she will conduct research funded by the Department of Energy on large-scale wind and solar energy siting and community centered development. She will work remotely, and is happy to be back in her home state of Washington.

Learn more about Robi's work here