Master of Natural Resources - MNR

Program Contacts:

MNR Director: Sunshine Brosi, sunshine.brosi@usu.edu

Program Coordinator: Leslie Gonzalez, leslie.gonzalez@usu.edu

Program Description:

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. 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. Students completing this degree acquire the skills to work as decision makers and advance their careers in natural resources management positions. The degree is designed to develop competencies in five core areas, several electives, and a capstone experience.

The MNR degree program consists of a minimum of 30 total semester credits. The core requirements from the program comprise of completing 3 credits from 4 of the 5 blocks (Human Dimensions, Ecological Foundations, Spatial Information Management, Natural Resources Policy, and Quantitative Methods) for a total of 12 credits. Students must take 3-6 credits of NR 6600 Capstone Requirements. Students may fill the remaining 12-15 elective credits with additional online coursework, certificates, and/or short courses. The MNR is tailored to the specific needs of each student. Each student works with the program coordinator and director to identify a program of study that best meets the students needs.

What makes this degree different from the traditional MS or MA is it does not require a research project or thesis, but rather emphasizes high quality course work and an integrative capstone experience. The MNR is offered through three different formats: online, on-campus and short-courses.

All required core courses are taught online and the program can be completed entirely online.

• 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 (500 word limit).

• There is no GRE requirement.

Prior to applying to the program, applicants are encouraged to contact the program coordinator directly.

Admission requirements can also be found at the USU School of Graduate Studies (apply at https://gradschool.usu.edu/admissions/index). Students are expected to be admitted to the program as matriculated students before taking coursework leading to the degree.

Additional information about the Master of Natural Resources may be obtained by contacting the program coordinator or by visiting https://qanr.usu.edu/mnr/.