Department Resources

• Getting around: Human Dimensions of Natural Resources operates out of the Colorado State University Forestry Building. We also have offices in the Conservation House.
• Getting involved: The HDNR Graduate Student Organization (GSO) is your community, advocate, and home base throughout grad school. We connect students across the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources department, fostering friendships, championing student interests, and creating space for professional growth (and the occasional good time). Whatever grad school throws at you, the GSO is in your corner.

Not finding what you’re looking for? Send us a message.

• The key to a successful Master’s or Ph.D. application in HDNR is finding a faculty advisor whose research aligns with your academic goals. 
  • Advisors have varied styles, with some preferring regular interaction and others favoring independence. You are encouraged to discuss expectations with your advisor before starting your program.
• Once you’ve confirmed an approved advisor, they will guide you throughout your degree program and chair your graduate committee. 
  • Your graduate committee offers guidance and evaluates your progress. You should form your committee by your second semester for GS6 form submission, and ensure any outside members have CSU email access if they’re from another university. 
• See more information relating to advising and committee, as well as a look at our faculty, requirements below.

Interested in getting involved in a laboratory or research project related to your field of study? Explore the many opportunities available in our department. There are plenty of chances to gain hands-on experience and learn from ongoing projects!

As a student in the MS programs, you are required to either complete a Thesis (Plan A) or a Professional Paper (Plan B) with the approval of your committee before beginning research or other work.

• Thesis and Professional Paper: Demonstration of solid scientific theory and application of research methods. May be a five-chapter document or one published journal article.

The final examination for the MS degrees may be oral, written, or both, per the direction of your committee.

The dissertation must contain original thought that advances the current body of scientific knowledge. You are encouraged to use a manuscript-based dissertation format, including a minimum of three articles targeted at refereed journals, an introductory and conclusion chapter that introduce the manuscripts and highlight emergent themes from the studies conducted, limitations of the research, and suggestions for future research. Alternatively, the dissertation may follow a traditional 5-chapter format, including an introduction, literature review, description of methods, description of results, and discussion.

For all other questions, resources, and details regarding graduate student life, or student life in general, and CSU, take a look at the University-wide resource hub.