The School of the Environment offers a program of graduate study and research leading to a master of science in natural resource sciences. The M.S. in natural resource sciences emphasizes original research by the student. This degree provides an atmosphere of scholarship coupled with research opportunities that produces people capable of responding to the complicated issues of use, management, and protection of the environment and its natural resources.

The M.S. in Natural Resource Sciences includes a thesis that is a publishable contribution to understanding ecosystems and natural resources (e.g., plants and animals) and their diverse ecological and/or social values.   The specific requirements are given below and are subject to completion after entering the masters program.