Natural Resources (MS)

Graduate School

Program Website

Graduate Field

Natural Resources and the Environment

Program Description

A student who wants to undertake a one to two year research project to enhance their professional credentials or “test the waters” for the longer Ph.D. should apply for the M.S. degree. MS students generally conduct a research project after two semesters of classes and complete a research thesis within two to three years. After completing their degree, they commonly take jobs in the nonprofit or government sector or go on for a Ph.D.

Individual mentoring by faculty is fundamental to our philosophy of individualized graduate education and the success of our students. There are no course requirements other than those agreed to with your advisor and other members of your graduate advisory committee. For a student to be considered for admission, a faculty member must be willing to supervise and ensure funding for the prospective student. Therefore, you must correspond with and obtain sponsorship from a faculty advisor before applying.

If you have questions about application procedures, please review the NRE Field Manual. If you have questions regarding your application status, contact the Graduate Field Assistant, at nregrad@cornell.edu

Concentrations

  • Applied ecology
  • Community-based natural resources management
  • Conservation biology
  • Ecosystem biology and biogeochemistry
  • Fishery and aquatic science
  • Forest science
  • Human dimensions of natural resources management
  • Policy and institutional analysis
  • Program development and evaluation
  • Quantitative ecology
  • Risk analysis and management
  • Wildlife science