Natural Resources – MNR, MS
Graduate study in natural resources leads to the Master of Natural Resources (MNR), or Master of Science (MS) degrees. In addition to meeting Graduate School admission requirements, applicants are evaluated and recommended for admission by the graduate faculty of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences based on an examination of their scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), TOEFL tests for international students, their previous academic record, experience, and recommendations. While exceptions may be made, the faculty generally expect a minimum GPA of 3.0 in previous academic course work and minimum scores both verbal and quantitative in the 50 percentile range for the GRE. Course deficiencies are identified by the student’s advisory committee and approved by the GPO with due consideration for the student’s previous training and experience.
Degrees offered:
- Master of Natural Resources – The MNR is a non-thesis degree.
Natural Resource Management is available for individuals with a baccalaureate degree who are interested in the natural resources arena. This degree can be completed in 3-4 semesters depending upon coursework selected and requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate courses
Professional Forester option for individuals with baccalaureate degrees in fields other than forestry and who are interested in becoming Registered Foresters in Alabama. This option is a two-year program which begins with a 10 week summer Field Practicum and requires a minimum of 70 semester hours (34 hours of specified undergraduate course work plus 36 hours of graduate course work).
- Requirements for the MNR degree include 30 semester hours at the 6000 – 8999 level.
- Master of Science (MS) A research proposal and thesis based on original research are major components of the MS degree. The program normally requires 2 – 3 years for completion. The MS degree program requires a minimum of 30 hours beyond the bachelor degree at the graduate level, 21 hours of which must be in the major. A minimum of 4 but not more than 6 hours in Research and Thesis (FORY 7990) is required. All MS students are required to take Research Methods (FORY 7510), Seminar (FOWS 7950), and Research and Theis (FORY 7990).
For immediate questions about our graduate programs or for assistance in identifying a potential advisor or financial aid opportunities, please contact the Graduate Student Services office.