Natural Resources (PhD)

Graduate School

Program Website

Graduate Field

Natural Resources and the Environment

Program Description

Students develop transdisciplinary knowledge and research and practical skills necessary to manage natural resources and the environment.

The M.S. and Ph.D. programs emphasize research and require a thesis or dissertation. Students often obtain the M.S. degree before entering the Ph.D. program. A Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree focuses on course work and a professional project.

In collaboration with their faculty advisor and graduate committee members, students design a graduate program that addresses their individual interests. Students may conduct research in the US or internationally and have access to excellent laboratory and field facilities.

The M.S and Ph.D. programs in Natural Resources and the Environment are designed to enable students to meet their research and professional goals. Students work with faculty advisors to identify courses and to define a research or professional project. To be admitted to the M.S. or Ph.D. program, the student must identify a faculty member who expresses interest in supervising them prior to admission. Therefore, it is critical that prospective MS or PhD students correspond with potential faculty advisors during the application process.

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