The Department conducts research in the area of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources. This area of study focuses on understanding and attending to the needs and values of humans, human society, and culture as it relates to the natural environment.

The mission of the Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources is to contribute to the conservation, stewardship and enjoyment of natural and cultural resources and the management of those resources in a way that produces both land health and sustainable human benefits.

The Department offers an MS and a PhD in the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources . Four concentrations are offered in the undergraduate program : Protected Areas Management, Global Tourism, Natural Resource Tourism and Environmental Communication. A degree can lead to a career as an outdoor education specialist, park ranger, tourism planner, recreation manager, or adventure tour guide.

The department is one of seven programs in the United States that offers a comprehensive bachelor's, master's, and doctoral program. It also:

• Houses the Center for Protected Area Management and Training which provides technical assistance, training, and research opportunities for protected area managers and students in over 25 countries from Latin America *
• Houses the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Unit which is currently conducting research to examine: wildlife values in the Western US; public acceptability of wildland fire management; effects of chronic wasting disease on hunter participation; sustainable development in Europe’s protected areas; and carrying capacity in Yosemite National Park *
• Operates the 212-acre Environmental Learning Center in Fort Collins which provides opportunities for faculty and students to conduct fieldwork, experiential education, and research and serves more than 3,200 people annually *
• Recently added Global Tourism to the undergraduate program which allows students to take course work in business, tourism, natural resources and facilitates cross-cultural experience by requiring foreign language, study at a university abroad, and an international internship

Interesting Facts!

* More than 1/2 of Colorado State Park employees are HDNR graduates

* Enrollment more than doubled in the 1990's

* The HDNR Department has provided leadership in the area of human dimensions of wildlife management with a $1.5 million research program which has served a variety of federal and state agencies