COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Natural Resources and the Environment with an Environmental Conservation and Sustainability option requires the successful completion of at least 30 graduate credits and is designed to provide interdisciplinary training in environmental science, sustainability, conservation, and resource management. Students complete a combination of core coursework, data analysis training, seminars, and either a research thesis or directed research project. Required courses include NR 903 Approach to Research, which develops research design and scientific inquiry skills, and NR 905 Grant Writing or approved alternatives such as scientific communication and publishing courses that strengthen professional writing and research communication abilities. Students must also complete NR 993 Natural and Environmental Resources Seminar, which encourages scholarly discussion and professional engagement, along with NR 996 Natural Resource Education or NR 900 Teaching Assistantship Practicum for students supported through teaching assistantships. A significant emphasis is placed on quantitative and analytical training, and students are required to complete one approved data analysis course selected from a broad range of subjects including statistics, econometrics, predictive modeling, ecological data analysis, applied regression analysis, time series analysis, policy research methods, and research methodology. These options allow students to tailor their analytical training to match specific research interests and career goals in environmental conservation and sustainability. The degree culminates in either NR 899 Master’s Thesis or NR 998 Directed Research. The thesis option requires students to complete a research-based thesis intended to form the foundation of a peer-reviewed scientific publication, emphasizing original investigation and scholarly contribution. Alternatively, the directed research option focuses on professionally oriented work designed to address stakeholder or applied environmental needs and concludes with a scholarly paper or publication-quality report. Students supported by teaching assistantships are required to complete the Teaching Assistantship Practicum during their first semester, helping them build instructional and communication skills. The program combines scientific research, environmental policy understanding, sustainability studies, analytical training, and practical professional development to prepare graduates for careers in conservation, sustainability planning, environmental consulting, policy analysis, ecological research, natural resource management, and doctoral study in environmental sciences and related fields.