Graduate Field
Natural Resources and the Environment
Program Description
The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Natural Resources and the Environment is a one-year, STEM-designated, course-based master’s degree program ideal for career-focused students interested in issues and advancements in environmental management, conservation biology, sustainable systems, water resource management, forest ecology, and more.
Although similar to a Master of Science (MS) degree in its academic rigor, the MPS degree differs from a traditional MS degree in its structure and focus. The MPS degree is a one-year, course-based program, designed to impact knowledge and skills in a given area of concentration. Instead of a thesis or research project, MPS students complete a capstone project which allows them to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical manner.
A hallmark of the MPS program is the balanced portfolio of technical knowledge, analytical skills, and professional development built into the curriculum, designed to equip students with the skill set and knowledge necessary for careers in industry, government, or non-profit agencies.
Concentrations
- Environmental Management
- Water Resource Management
- Conservation Social Science and Decision Making
- Sustainable Systems
- Forest Ecology and Management
- Conservation Biology
- Quantitative Ecology
- Community-Based Conservation and Management
- Wildlife Ecology and Management
- Fishery and Aquatic Science
Program Information
- Instruction Mode: In Person
- Location: Ithaca, NY
- Minimum Credits for Degree: 30
Program Requirements
Coursework
- 30 credits in graduate-level courses at least 20 of which must be taken in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
- Capstone project: 2 to 6 credits of the required 30 credits.
- Enrollment in a minimum of 12 credits each semester. It is advised that students enroll in 15 credits each semester to stay on track for this one-year program.
- Additional requirements:
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5
- A minimum of 18 letter-graded credits
- Completion of the degree within 1 year from admission date
Field-specific requirements
- Check with the field director for details.
University Graduation Requirements
Requirements for All Students
In order to receive a Cornell degree, a student must satisfy academic and non-academic requirements.
Academic Requirements
A student’s college determines degree requirements such as residency, number of credits, distribution of credits, and grade averages. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the specific major, degree, distribution, college, and graduation requirements for completing their chosen program of study. See the individual requirements listed by each college or school or contact the college registrar’s office for more information.
Non-academic Requirements
Conduct Matters. Students must satisfy any outstanding sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed or agreed to under the Student Code of Conduct (Code) or Policy 6.4. Where a formal complaint under the Code or Policy 6.4 is pending, the University will withhold awarding a degree otherwise earned until the adjudication process set forth in those procedures is complete, including the satisfaction of any sanctions, penalties or remedies imposed.
Financial Obligations. Outstanding financial obligations will not impact the awarding of a degree otherwise earned or a student’s ability to access their official transcript. However, the University may withhold issuing a diploma until any outstanding financial obligations owing to the University are satisfied.
