HDNR MS and PhD requirements
Admission to the HDNR MS or PhD program requires securing an approved faculty advisor. Begin by exploring our faculty and their research. Take time to review their publications, CVs, and areas of expertise to identify those whose work aligns with your academic and career goals. Craft a thoughtful, informed message that demonstrates you have thoroughly reviewed their research focus and methodology, and show how your background and goals align with their work.
- A completed CSU Graduate School Application.
- Your resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
- Transcript(s) for all previous college work (students who apply with unofficial transcripts and are admitted must provide the official version of all transcripts within their first semester).
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A statement of purpose essay describing your motivation for pursuing the degree, background and experience, future goals, and demonstrate how these elements align with the program.
- A non-refundable application fee: $60 for domestic applicants and $70 for international applicants.
Dependent on the faculty advisor, applicants may need to provide the following:
- Applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy program may need to submit a copy of their master’s thesis or another professional paper/writing sample and have personal interviews with appropriate Department faculty.
- Applicants for the Master of Science program may need to provide a copy of a professional paper or writing samples, as well as have personal interviews with appropriate Department faculty.
Our MS and PhD programs are competitive, typically admitting 6 to 12 students each year. We share this not to discourage you, but to emphasize how important it is to connect with faculty whose research aligns with your interests.
MS applicants who are unable to identify an advisor may find our Master of Conservation Leadership degree or online graduate certificate in Communications for Conservation to be suitable alternative pathways that align with their background, interests, and goals.
Other HDNR graduate program requirements
Applicants for these programs should reference program specific application pages.
Questions
For specific questions, please contact our Graduate Programs Manager, Kathryn Metzger.
International Students
International applicants follow the same application process as U.S. citizens and permanent residents, with the following additional requirements:
- Transcripts of all collegiate work completed along with a certified translation into English.
- English Proficiency Scores: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) minimum score requirement of 80, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) minimum score requirement of 6.5, or Duolingo minimum score requirement of 120.
Financial Aid
- For general financial aid information, please reference The Hub or The Office of Financial Aid.
- Every year, there are approximately 6 to 8 Graduate Teaching Assistant positions offered in HDNR.
- Research assistant positions are offered based on faculty funding.