Degree Coordinator: Judith A. Kurtzman
Location: Natural Resources 322
Phone: (435) 797-0922
FAX: (435) 797-4048
E-mail: judy.kurtzman@usu.edu
WWW: http://www.cnr.usu.edu/htm/students/grad-degrees/mnr
Degree offered: Master of Natural Resources (MNR)
Objectives
The Master of Natural Resources (MNR) is a nonthesis, management-oriented degree designed specifically for natural resource professionals who are returning to school to advance their careers. The MNR prepares students to work in the interdisciplinary context of the twenty-first century. The MNR focuses on seven core areas important for natural resource professionals. Input from state and federal agencies, as well as from other professionals, has helped in the development of a degree program preparing students for the challenges of the future.
Admission Requirements
All students must be admitted into USU’s School of Graduate Studies, following standard procedures and policies.
To be accepted into the MNR program, students must either have a bachelor’s degree in a natural resources related field or have a bachelor’s degree in another discipline and demonstrated work experience in natural resources. Students accepted into the program may be required to fulfill prerequisites.
The degree is administered by the College of Natural Resources, rather than through any of the departments within the college. Prior to applying to the program, applicants are encouraged to contact the degree coordinator directly.
Course Requirements
The MNR degree program consists of 33 total semester credits. The degree is designed to develop competencies in seven core areas, several electives, and a capstone experience. The MNR is tailored to the specific needs of each student. Students may choose the specific courses that meet core area requirements, as well as choose from a set of electives. Each student works with the degree coordinator and a graduate committee to identify a program of study that best meets his or her needs.
Core areas include:
- Ecological foundations
- Human dimensions of natural resource management
- Natural resource policy
- Natural resource economics
- Quantitative methods
- Spatial information management
- Administration and leadership
The capstone experience is also tailored to each specific student’s career objectives. Through this capstone experience, each student demonstrates the ability to apply and synthesize the knowledge gained through the MNR program.
Modes of MNR Delivery
Since flexibility is necessary for people with busy lives and full-time jobs, the MNR is available through three different delivery modes: (1) entirely online, (2) through short-courses, and (3) in a traditional classroom setting. The degree may also be offered through a combination of these delivery options, in order to best meet the student’s needs.
