S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources

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 S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney 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:

1. Ecological foundations
2. Human dimensions of natural resource management
3. Natural resource policy
4. Natural resource economics
5. Quantitative methods
6. Spatial information management
7. Administration and leadership

The capstone experience is tailored to a specific student’s career objective. Through this capstone experience, students demonstrate their ability to apply and synthesize the knowledge gained through the MNR core requirements.

Modes of MNR Delivery

The MNR is available through three different delivery methods: (1) online courses, (2) short-courses, and (3) on-campus courses. Students can complete the degree using one or more of these delivery methods.