Conservation and Leadership, MNR

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This graduate program is administered by the Environment and Society Discipline in the COLLEGE OF NATURAL RESOURCES .

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Natural Resources, you will be able to:

Identify the intersection between natural systems and human systems by examining political, economic, social, and environmental aspects of natural resource management.
Use research to help make informed natural resource management decisions.
Apply leadership and administration skills relevant to management positions within natural resources.
Demonstrate professional communication skills including writing, conflict resolution and facilitation.
Apply ecological principles to making natural resource management decisions.

You must earn at least 31 credits in graduate courses. A minimum of 16 credits must be in courses numbered 700 and above.

Natural Resources and Business Courses

Take the following NRES courses (12 credits):

NRES 770 - Natural Resources Policy Credits: 3
NRES 771 - Introduction to Natural and Social Science Research Credits: 3
NRES 772 - Natural Resources Leadership and Communication Credits: 3
NRES 773 - Applied Ecosystem Ecology and Management Credits: 3

Take 3 of the 4 BUS courses (9 credits required)

BUS 504 - Developing Skills to Lead and Manage Credits: 3
BUS 558 - Managing Budgets Credits: 3
BUS 565 - Applying Lean Six Sigma Credits: 3

Comprehensive Examination

After completing the above courses you will register for NRES 775 with subtitle Comprehensive Examination (1 credit). In this course you will write a detailed examination that integrates principles from the above classes. You must pass this examination in order to receive your degree. If you fail one or more parts of the examination, you will be allowed one retake.

Specialized Elective Certificates

You must choose at least one specialized certificate to complete your degree. Choices include the Environmental Education and Interpretation Professional Certificate , or any other certificate approved by the CNR Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Certificate courses will be offered online but if you reside locally, you could substitute graduate courses that are offered only face-to-face. Use of UW-Stevens Point graduate courses offered outside of the College of Natural Resources and Sentry School of Business and Economics is possible but must be approved by the CNR Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Additionally, up to nine credits of natural resources-related graduate courses from another institution may be transferred with approval of the Associate Dean.