Natural Resources Science and Management - PhD

Society's increasing use of natural resources for a multitude of environmental, economic, and social purposes challenges us to acquire the knowledge necessary to use, manage, and protect those resources for future generations. Graduates of our program have a long history of success in meeting this challenge. We provide outstanding teaching and research that develops scholars, pioneers in science, and the professional leaders needed to manage natural resources and protect our environment. Our graduates play leadership roles in industry, public agencies, research, and education. We are seeking students who will accept the challenge and become part of that tradition.

The Natural Resources Science and Management (NRSM) Graduate Program is among the top ranked programs of its kind in the nation. The National Research Council's latest rankings, released in September 2010, place the NRSM program as high as number two nationally. We offer eight areas of study (tracks) encompassing graduate course offerings from the Departments of Forest Resources; Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering; Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology; and other units. For a description of these eight tracks, go to Areas of Study. Our program is offered through the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Science, in conjunction with the Graduate School.

Two graduate degree options are offered in NRSM, the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy. Depending on your interests and needs, your graduate program can be highly specialized or have a broad focus. You will work with your advisor and committee to develop a graduate program of study that matches your interests and meets the requirements for your graduate degree. Curriculum is interdisciplinary and often includes courses from across the University.