Natural Resources Graduate Programs
FER Home : Graduate Students : Natural Resources Graduate Programs
The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources (FER) administers several technical options in the intercollegiate NC State Natural Resources Masters Program that focus on different aspects of relevant policy and management. Students customize their education by choosing a degree option and a technical option, then combine core courses in natural resources issues with a series of related courses in technical disciplines.
The purpose of the Natural Resources core curriculum is to educate professionals at an advanced level to be well-versed in policy and regulation while also perfecting their quantitative assessment skills. The technical options are designed to enhance each student's understanding of the processes within an individual option. Courses within the various options are taught in several different departments and provide a broad background with rigorous technical emphases.
Degree Options
Graduate students in Natural Resources may choose to pursue a Master of Science in Natural Resources (MS-NR) or a non-thesis Master of Natural Resources (MNR). In general, the MS-NR degree is the preferred track for students who are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or who anticipate conducting or reviewing research in their future work. Students enrolled in the MNR (non-thesis) program are required to conduct a project and present a report on the work accomplished.
Learn more about degree options and the structure of the Natural Resources Masters Program>>
Core Curriculum & Technical Options
Both the MNR and MS-NR degrees feature a core curriculum and requires the student to choose a technical option.
Learn more about the Natural Resources Masters Program core curriculum>>
The Natural Resources Masters Program offers ten technical options. Because of the multidisciplinary nature of the program, the technical options are administered by different departments within NC State University.
The Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources administers or co-administers 7 of the technical options, listed below.
Assessment and Analysis
Focuses on planning and conservation processes. Prepares students to function as part of NEPA process teams, Non-governmental organizations, and professionals performing Phase I, protected species investigations, and related assessment roles. Learn more about Natural Resources - Assessment and Analysis Technical Option >>
Ecological Restoration
Prepares students to assist in the recovery of ecosystems that have been degraded, damaged, or destroyed. Emphasis is also placed on the social and philosophical elements that mandate restoration. Learn more about Natural Resources - Ecological Restoration >>
Policy and Administration
Develops knowledge and skills about policy processes and sciences, public and private organizations, natural resource law and policy, public governance and involvement, and their applications to resource management and conservation. Learn more about Natural Resources - Policy and Administration >>
Economics and Management
Covers a wide spectrum of economics and management, including optimization, business management, supply-demand modeling, integrated assessment, non-market valuation, sustainable development, welfare economics, and public policy. Learn more about Natural Resources - Economics and Management >>
Hydrology
Promotes understanding the hydrologic processes of watersheds and wetlands, and prepares students for conducting hydrologic studies and directing watershed management programs. Emphasis is also on policy and regulation. Learn more about Natural Resources - Hydrology >>
International Resources
Enhance students' understanding of international forestry and natural resource management and to prepare them for careers abroad or with internationally oriented institutions and companies in the US. Learn more about Natural Resources - International Resources >>
Spatial Information Systems
Provides students with a thorough background in the spatial sciences, including spatial modeling, remote sensing, geographic information systems, and spatial databases. Learn more about Natural Resources - Spatial Information Systems >>
Learn about all of the technical options offered in the NC State Natural Resources Masters Program >>
Research Facilities
Our graduate students benefit from FER’s nearly 100,000 acres of forest land available for fieldwork, as well as our mountain and coastal research and field facilities. Learn more about our Facilities and Forests.
Students often pursue their thesis or professional projects by participating in one of FER’s many on-going research initiatives, industry partnerships or extension programs.
How to Apply
Application for admission to the Natural Resources Masters Program is made through the department in which the technical option is offered. To apply to one of the technical options outlined above, visit our How To Apply section.
