S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources
Website: qcnr.usu.edu/mnr
Degree offered: Master of Natural Resources (MNR)
Objectives
The online Master of Natural Resources degree is designed to give natural resource professionals the skills to analyze complex natural resource issues and better communicate the results of their analysis. Students completing this degree acquire the skills to work as decision makers and advance their careers in natural resources management positions.
Acceptance Requirements
The minimum requirements for admission to the MNR degree program are as follows:
- A bachelor’s degree, preferably in natural resources, biology, ecology or a closely related field
- A minimum of one year of work experience in a natural resources field
- 3.0 or higher grade point average on last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits
- Three letters of recommendation (one from an academic source, if possible)
- Statement of Purpose: Describe how your past experience and education have prepared you for the MNR program, and how the MNR program will help you meet your future professional goals. List potential capstone project ideas you could use for this degree. (500 word limit).
Prior to applying to the program, applicants are encouraged to contact the degree coordinator directly. There is no GRE requirement.
Application Deadlines
Students must have all required materials submitted to the School of Graduate Studies on/or before the deadlines listed below:
- Fall semester: July 1st
- Spring Semester: November 1st
- Summer Semester: March 15th
Degree Verification
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university or a similarly recognized international university is required for admission to and completion of a graduate program.
Overall Graduate GPA at least 3.0 and no grades of C- or lower; Graduate students are required to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA for degree-program courses. Grades of C- or lower will not be accepted for a graduate degree.
Course Number Acceptability
The Program of Study for a master’s degree or a doctoral degree, if the student has a master’s degree, must include at least 15 semester credits at the level of 6000 or above.
Credits in the following areas are not acceptable in a degree program: foreign languages (unless included in an approved Program of Study), continuing graduate advisement, individual home study, military science, and courses numbered below 3000.
A master’s degree must be completed within six years of entering the degree program. Additional time may be requested by the student’s committee and submitted to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for review.
USU Residency Requirement
At least 24-semester credits for a master’s degree must be from a committee-approved and a School of Graduate Studies-approved Program of Study from Utah State University
Required Master’s forms:
Approval of academic forms required for master’s students by the School of Graduate Studies
- Supervisory Committee
- Program of Study
- SGS and library review & approval
Course Requirements
The MNR degree program consists of 33 total semester credits. The degree is designed to develop competencies in five core areas, several electives, and a capstone experience. The MNR is tailored to the specific needs of each student. Each student works with the degree coordinator and a graduate committee to identify a program of study that best meets his or her needs.
Modes of MNR Delivery
All required MNR courses are taught online and the program can be completed entirely online. Some electives are offered in a short-course format, either in-person or online.
