Mar 19, 2024  
2011-2012 General Catalog 
    
2011-2012 General Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

Human Dimensions of Ecosystem Science and Management, PhD


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs Listed Alphabetically

College of Natural Resources

Department of Environment and Society

Degree Programs


The department offers opportunities for graduate study through the MA, MS, PhD, and graduate certificate programs listed below.

The MS degree requires a minimum of 30 credits, of which 24 must be in residence.Candidates for the MA must complete the requirements for the MS, with the addition of at least two years (approximately 16 credits) of an approved foreign language or some other demonstration of foreign language proficiency. There are two options available in the MA and MS programs. The Plan A requires students to complete coursework, as well as a research thesis. The Plan B is a nonthesis, terminal degree, based largely on coursework and a professional paper or project.

For the PhD degree, there is a more variable amount of required coursework, as well as a research dissertation. Compared to the MA and MS degree, the PhD degree has a greater emphasis on theory, research methods, writing research proposals, and publishing research in peer-reviewed outlets.

Human Dimensions of Ecosystem Science and Management MS/PhD


These degrees are aimed at students who desire to be problem-solvers with an ability to integrate the human and biophysical aspects of ecosystems, and to analyze policies and decisions that encourage sustainability of human communities and ecosystems. The MS degree prepares students for professional practice in natural resources and environmental planning and management, policy and program analysis, public affairs, environmental education, community assessment and collaboration, conflict management, and extension/outreach. The PhD program places a greater emphasis on basic theory and research methods in one or more social science disciplines, and thus prepares students for university teaching, research, and extension; for conducting agency and private organizational research; and for positions in formal policy and program evaluation.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs Listed Alphabetically