COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Natural Resources and the Environment with a Wildlife and Conservation Biology option requires the successful completion of at least 30 graduate credits and combines interdisciplinary coursework, research training, quantitative analysis, and professional development focused on wildlife conservation and ecological science. Students complete several core requirements designed to strengthen research, communication, and teaching skills, including NR 903 Approach to Research and NR 905 Grant Writing or approved alternatives such as scientific communication and publishing courses. These courses help students develop expertise in research design, scientific writing, and professional communication essential for careers in conservation and environmental science. Students are also required to complete NR 993 Natural and Environmental Resources Seminar, which promotes scholarly discussion and engagement with current environmental and wildlife issues, as well as NR 996 Natural Resource Education or NR 900 Teaching Assistantship Practicum for students supported through teaching assistantships during their first semester. A major component of the program is analytical and quantitative training through one approved data analysis course selected from a broad range of topics such as applied statistics, predictive modeling, ecological data analysis, regression analysis, experimental design, econometrics, and research methodology. These options allow students to tailor their analytical preparation to wildlife ecology, conservation biology, and environmental research interests. The degree concludes with either NR 899 Master’s Thesis or NR 998 Directed Research. Students selecting the thesis option complete an original research-based thesis intended to form the basis for a peer-reviewed scientific publication, emphasizing independent investigation and scholarly contribution to conservation science. Students choosing the directed research option complete a professionally oriented project designed to address practical stakeholder or environmental management needs, culminating in a scholarly report or publication-quality paper suitable for the field. Both pathways emphasize critical thinking, evidence-based decision making, and professional scientific communication. The program’s flexible structure supports advanced study in wildlife ecology, habitat conservation, ecological monitoring, and natural resource management while preparing graduates for careers in government wildlife agencies, conservation organizations, environmental consulting, research institutions, and doctoral programs in wildlife biology, ecology, and environmental science.