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

Degree Coordinator: Melanie Conrad
Location: Natural Resources 322
Phone: (435) 797-3375
FAX: (435) 797-4048
E-mail: melanie.conrad@usu.edu
WWW: http://cnr.usu.edu/mnr
Degree offered: Master of Natural Resources (MNR)

Objectives

The Master of Natural Resources (MNR) is a non-thesis degree designed to help natural resource professionals function better in management positions. It will give them an interdisciplinary curriculum to broaden their knowledge and help them see the “big picture” view of managing both land and people.

Acceptance Requirements

To apply to the MNR program, apply through the USU School of Graduate Studies webpage.

The minimum requirements for admission to the MNR degree program are as follows:

• A bachelor’s degree in NR-related field or a non-NR related bachelor’s degree with demonstration competency in core subject matter covered in NR degrees.
• A minimum of three years work experience in a natural resources field. 
• Necessary prerequisites for MNR students: math (1020), UG statistics, one semester life, physical or chemical science course (junior level or higher)
• 3.0 or higher grade point average on last 60 semester or 90 quarter credits
• A score at or above the 40^th percentile on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE or MAT.  (MAT – Miller Analogy Test)
• Three satisfactory letters of recommendation (one needs to be from an academic source).
• Application essay required: Describe how your past experience and education qualifies you for the MNR, and how the MNR will help you meet your future professional goals.  List potential capstone project ideas you could use for the degree.

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 eight 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.

Core areas include:

1. Ecological Foundations
2. Human Dimensions
3. NR Policy
4. NR Economics
5. Quantitative Methods
6. Spatial Information Management
7. Administration/leadership
8. Technical Writing

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 offered through three different delivery methods: online, on-campus, and short-courses. Students can complete the MNR degree using all online courses.