Frequently Asked Questions

When is the application deadline?

Our application deadline is June 1.We start accepting applications on October 1, and encourage students to submit their application by February 1 in order to be considered for various CSU scholarships.

When will I find out if I have been accepted?

We use a rolling admissions process in which applications are reviewed approximately every two weeks. Acceptance to the program will be communicated by email. Most admissions decisions are communicated within one month of submitting a fully completed application, and oftentimes sooner.

Do I need to find a Conservation Leadership advisor prior to being accepted?

No. Acceptance to the Conservation Leadership program does not require you to identify a faculty in advisor in advance.

What is the duration of Conservation Leadership?

Conservation Leadership is an 18-month program, which includes two semesters of full-time coursework at CSU (9 months) followed by a capstone project period during the summer (4 months). Time needed for completion of the project and deliverable(s) after the fieldwork portion varies from 2-5 months.

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Do I need to have a certain undergraduate degree to apply?

No. An undergraduate degree is required to enter the program, but it does not have to be in a specific field. It is expected you have some academic, professional or volunteer experience related to conservation, such as natural resources, environmental health, agriculture, or international development. Each applicant will be assessed on their individual academic record and experiences during the selection process.

What degree will I get upon completion of Conservation Leadership?

Students receive a Master’s degree in Conservation Leadership.

How are we different from the HDNR Master’s of Science degree?

The traditional Master’s of Science in the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources department is a research-based degree where you work with a faculty member on a specific research project over two years. In contrast, we are a cohort-based program with a focus on coursework and applied projects. Find out more about the traditional Master’s of Science Degree here.

Do I need to speak English to be accepted? Or a non-English language to go abroad?

The CSU Graduate School requires students from a country where English is not the official language to pass an approved English exam, such as the TOEFL.

Some international capstone project also require foreign language abilities.
Students going to a country where Spanish language proficiency is required will be asked to take an online Spanish assessment, such as the DELE (examenes.cervantes.es/es/dele/que-es). Typically a Level B score on the DELE will be expected for completing a capstone project in a Spanish speaking country.

What are housing options in Fort Collins?

Fort Collins has been consistently at the top of the list of “America’s Best Places to Live” by Money Magazine. Colorado State University has four apartment complexes on or near campus that offer 12-month or month-to-month lease options. The university apartments pride themselves on intercultural living and are home to many international students. For more information visit housing.colostate.edu/apartments/explore.

There are also many off-campus, non-university related apartment complexes and homes for rent. Off-Campus Student Services provides many resources, such as rental listings and roommate requests at ocl.colostate.edu.

Do I need a car when living in Fort Collins?

This depends on your transportation needs. Having a car in Fort Collins can make transportation easier, but there are other options too. CSU students can ride the local bus service, Transfort, for free. Fort Collins is also a platinum-rated Bicycle Friendly Community with bike lanes and paths throughout the City. For more information on biking in Fort Collins visit fcgov.com/bicycling.

Will I be able to have a job while enrolled in Conservation Leadership?

Many students maintain part- or quarter-time work during their time in the Masters in Conservation Leadership program.

Can I take an elective course along with the Conservation Leadership coursework?

It is not recommended for students to take courses outside of the Masters in Conservation Leadership curriculum. During some weeks, students are away on field trips or participating in all-day workshops, which makes participation and success in other courses difficult.

Can I visit the program before I decide to apply/enroll?

Yes, we encourage prospective students to visit the program and sit in on a class session. For those traveling from out-of-town, we have put together a couple travel suggestions here.