The Master of Natural Resources Degree

MNR Program

The Master of Natural Resources (MNR) degree is designed to help natural resource professionals function better in management positions. It will give them an interdisciplinary curriculum to broaden their knowledge and help them see the “big picture” view of managing both land and people.

What makes this degree different from the traditional MS or MA is it does not require a research project or thesis, but rather emphasizes high quality course work and an integrative capstone experience. The MNR is offered through three different formats: online, on-campus and short-courses.

MNR Course List

Program participants are required to take a total of 30 credits. The core requirements from the program comprise of completing 3 credits from 4 of the 5 blocks (Human Dimensions, Ecological Foundations, Spatial Information Management, Natural Resources Policy, and Quantitative Methods) for a total of 12 credits. Students must take 3-6 credits of NR 6600 Capstone Requirements. Students may fill the remaining 12-15 elective credits with additional online coursework and/or short courses. Course descriptions can be found on the MNR catalog page.

Core Courses		Credits	Spring	Summer	Fall
Human Dimensions (3 credits)
ENVS 6010	Applying Human Dimensions Concepts to Natural Resource Management	3	X
Ecological Foundations (3 credits)
NR 6570	Ecological Foundations of Natural Resource Management	3			X
Spatial Information Management (3 credits)
NR 6910	Geographic Information Systems for Natural Resource Applications	3	X	X	X
NR 6950	Geospatial Analysis for Natural Resource Management	3	X		X
Natural Resrouces Policy (3 credits)
ENVS 6310	Introduction to Environmental Laws and Policy	3			*X
Quantitative Methods (3 credits)
NR 6580	Data Analysis and Programming for Natural Resource Managers	3	X
Capstone Requirement (3-6 credits)
NR 6600	Natural Resources Integrative Experience	3 - 6	X	X	X
NR 6599	Literature Synthesis and Review for Natural Resources Professionals	3	X		X
Directed Studies (3 credits)
NR 6900	Directed Studies (Prior approval from Director and/or committee chair member)	1 - 3	X	X	X

Note: Not all courses are offered as scheduled due to instructor availability.
* Not being offered fall 2025

Elective Courses		Credits	Spring	Summer	Fall
ENVS 6110	Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management	3			X
ENVS 6320	Water Law and Policy in the United States	3	X
ENVS 6100	Introduction to Modeling Human-Environment Systems	3	X
WATS 6530	Water Quality and Pollution	3			*X
WILD 6400	Ecology of Animal Populations	3			X
NR 6920	Python Programming for GIS	3	X		X
NR 6930	Advanced GIS for Natural Resource Applications	3	X	X	X
NR 6940	Principles of Remote Sensing of Natural Resources	3	X	X	X

NRDLC

In addition to the courses we have listed here there are other courses offered through the Natural Resources Distance Learning Consortium. Students may transfer up to 12 credits for the MNR program. Please be aware some Universities charge out-of-state tuition, and some charge a $20-$30 application fee for registration.

Short Courses

Restoration Consortium Short Courses: The USU Restoration Consortium offers online and in-person short courses based in Logan, UT throughout the year. These courses can be taken for University graduate-level credit on an individual basis. Participants must register through Banner for USU credit that can be applied towards the MNR degree.
National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) Short Courses: Students are not required to enroll in the NEPA Certificate Program to take the NEPA short courses. These courses can be taken for University graduate-level credit on an individual basis.

How to Apply

To apply for the program go to applynow.usu.edu. Choose the Graduate Application and then the Master of Natural Resources Degree. Prior to applying to the program, applicants are encouraged to contact the degree coordinator directly.

The minimum requirements for admission to the MNR degree program are as follows:

A bachelor’s degree in a related field
Minimum 3.0 GPA on your last 60 credit hours
Three letters of recommendation
Official transcript(s) of ALL college credits
Statement of Purpose: Describe how your past experience and education have prepared you for the MNR program, and how the MNR program will help you meet your future professional goals. (500 word limit).
There is no GRE requirement.