The Human Dimensions of Natural Resources graduate programs at Colorado State University prepare conservation leaders across the natural resource disciplines. We focus on the relationship between people and nature — understanding that lasting conservation requires a human perspective. Whether you’re pursuing a research career or looking to lead as a conservation practitioner, we’d love to help you find the right program.
Explore our Programs
Human Dimensions of Natural Resources (MS & PhD)
HDNR offers research-based graduate programs designed to educate and develop professionals in social science aspects of natural resources issues. The programs develop professionals who will work and become leaders in the field both through research and practice. The Master of Science degree generally takes two years to complete. The Doctor of Philosophy degree takes about three years to complete.
Master of Conservation Leadership
The Master of Conservation Leadership program prepares leaders to address complex conservation issues. The program is built around principles of experiential learning, interdisciplinary instruction, and project-based application. Our students work closely with a network of practitioners and organizations throughout their time in the program to both learn from and contribute to real conservation problem-solving. Conservation Leadership is the option for individuals seeking to make a difference in the lives and ecosystems of our planet.
Master of Tourism Management
The Master of Tourism Management degree prepares future leaders of the outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism industry for roles in destination and recreation management, hotels and resorts, operations, marketing, events, and entrepreneurship. The industry-driven curriculum focuses on interdisciplinary business approaches involving sustainability, strategic analysis, current industry topics, and human well-being. The degree is offered online.
Graduate Certificate in Communications for Conservation
The online Graduate Certificate in Communications for Conservation at Colorado State University offers conservation practitioners and communicators a holistic, accelerated program for learning ideas, skills, and tools to communicate and engage with a wide range of public stakeholders, including media and communications specialists, decision-makers and thought leaders, other scientists, and broad audiences.
Our Alumni
Yvonne Schramm
CLTL ’19 (Cohort 8)
Community Outreach & Education Manager
Colorado Open Lands
Marshall Floyd
MTM ’22
Visit Fort Collins
Monica Engel
HDNR PhD ’16
Executive Director
Torngat Wildlife Plants and Fisheries Secretariat
Emily Annis
MTM ’24
Adventure Specialist
Adventures in Good Company
Marilyn Kitchell
C4C ’22
Public Affairs Specialist
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Micah Warners
HDNR MS ’22
Senior Specialist, Education & Outreach
City of Fort Collins
Browse through our Alumni Spotlight pages to see other examples of career paths!
Master of Conservation Leadership Alumni
Master of Tourism Management Alumni
Communications for Conservation Alumni
Where will you be?!
Our alumni work across the globe uncovering, assisting, and curing conservation issues. A few recent graduates sent us updates on their latest employment adventures.
Potential Careers:
- Environmental Educator
- Public Relations Specialist
- Park Ranger
- Natural Resource Specialist
- Sustainability Analyst
- Destination Manager
- GIS Analyst
- Land Use Planner
- Recreation Programmer
Potential Employers:
- Federal Agencies (e.g. National Park Service, EPA, BLM, USDA, USFS)
- Non-Profit Environmental Organizations
- County and State Natural Resource Departments
- National and State Fish and Wildlife Service
- Education
- Tourism Agencies
- Destination Marketing Organizations
- Nature-Based Recreation Companies
- Nature Centers
Questions?
Contact Us
Kathryn Metzger
Graduate Programs Manager
[email protected]