The Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources (HDNR) offers a research-based graduate program designed to educate and develop professionals in social science aspects of natural resources issues. The program develops professionals who will work and become leaders in the field both through research and practice. The program prepares students to address critical challenges in environmental conservation and natural resource management. Students gain advanced research skills, theoretical foundations, and practical applications for understanding human-environment interactions, conservation governance and policy processes, conservation behavior, communication and stakeholder engagement strategies, and collaborative and community-based approaches to conservation.

Graduates pursue careers in environmental consulting, natural resource and public land management agencies, nonprofit conservation organizations, academic research, and policy settings – serving as skilled professionals who bridge conservation and society.

The program offers significant flexibility in graduate education, allowing students to take courses in departments across campus that are relevant to their research interests in the natural resource conservation and management context. With graduate advisory committee approval, students select courses from two primary study areas plus program electives.

The Master of Science degree generally takes two years to complete. The Doctor of Philosophy degree takes about three years to complete.

Review the HDNR Graduate Student Handbook (linked below), which outlines academic expectations including coursework, thesis and dissertation requirements, as well as the responsibilities of your faculty advisor.

Graduate Admission Requirements and Procedures

Application requirements: 

• Acceptance requires securing an approved faculty advisor. Start by reviewing our faculty to identify potential advisors whose research aligns with your academic interests and career goals.
• Undergraduate degree from college or university accredited by one of the major regional accrediting agencies.
• Undergraduate cumulative grade point of 3.0 on a 4.0 system.
• Resume of CV.
• Statement of purpose describing your background, education, goals, and research interest – and how they align with this program.

Our MS and PhD programs accept new students for fall enrollment only.

Application deadline: February 15

MS applicants must secure a faculty advisor before admission, and these positions are highly competitive. Students who are unable to identify an advisor may find our Conservation Leadership degree program to be a strong alternative. The Master of Conservation Leadership uses conservation science as a tool to drive social change. This cohort-based degree emphasizes experiential education, interdisciplinary instruction, and project-based learning, with a carefully crafted curriculum that focuses on leadership, collaboration, systems thinking, and innovation. Graduates go on to roles in academia (including PhD study), the private sector, nonprofits, and local, state, and federal government.

For specific questions please contact our HDNR Graduate Program Manager – Kathryn Metzger.