HDNR Graduate Programs

The HDNR graduate programs prepare leaders to address conservation across several disciplines in the natural world.

Whether you’re looking to grow a research career or apply your skills in a variety of sectors, we would love to help you explore which program fits you.

Enhancing human and wildlife co-existence, sustaining ecosystems, ensuring sustainable tourism practices, and filling the communications gap between science and broad audiences are all defining issues of today. Be the change!

The Graduate School is introducing three Free Graduate Application Days coinciding with the opening of the Fall 2025 graduate application.

Explore our Programs

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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.

CLTL students at an open space area north of Fort Collins.

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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.

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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, offered online or in-person, can be completed in nine months or on a flexible, customized timeline.

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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

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    Yvonne Schramm

    CLTL ’19 (Cohort 8)
    Community Outreach & Education Manager
    Colorado Open Lands

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    Marshall Floyd

    MTM ’22
    Visit Fort Collins

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    Monica Engel

    HDNR PhD ’16
    Executive Director
    Torngat Wildlife Plants and Fisheries Secretariat

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    Emily Annis

    MTM ’24
    Adventure Specialist
    Adventures in Good Company

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    Marilyn Kitchell

    C4C ’22
    Public Affairs Specialist
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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    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

Tara Teel
Graduate Coordinator (HDNR MS & PhD)

[email protected]

Questions?

Contact Us

Kathryn Metzger
Program Coordinator (MTM, CLTL, C4C)

[email protected]