Master of Science in Natural Resources

Graduate Degree

Earn Your Master of Science in Natural Resources and Lead the Future of Conservation

Advance your career with the Master of Science in Natural Resources program at the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. Offered through the College of Natural Resources, this is a two-year, in-person, thesis-based graduate program that combines hands-on research, field experience, and professional development to prepare students for leadership roles in natural resource management and environmental stewardship.

Students can customize their degree within the following disciplines: environment and society, fisheries and water resources, forestry, soil and waste resources, and wildlife ecology and management. With access to field stations, applied research opportunities, and nationally recognized outreach centers, the program provides an immersive graduate experience designed to support individual academic and professional goals.

Admission follows a faculty-adviser model, meaning prospective students are responsible for contacting faculty members whose research interests align with their own. Admission is granted once a faculty member agrees to serve as the student’s graduate adviser and the application is complete.

Why choose a Master of Science in Natural Resources

Choosing a Master of Science in Natural Resources means building advanced expertise and practical experience to address real-world challenges in conservation, sustainability, and natural resource management. You will develop specialized knowledge and applied research skills that prepare you for meaningful and impactful environmental careers.

The program is flexible, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests while working closely with faculty mentors who support your academic and professional goals. Through interdisciplinary coursework, hands-on research, and professional engagement, you gain the experience needed to stand out in the field.

A key feature of the program is the faculty-adviser model. You take an active role in connecting with a faculty member whose expertise matches your interests, and admission is confirmed once that faculty member agrees to serve as your graduate adviser, ensuring strong mentorship from the start.

Affordability

The Master of Science in Natural Resources program offers a range of financial support options to help make graduate study more accessible and manageable. Students may be eligible for graduate assistantships that provide a stipend and potential tuition benefits in exchange for teaching or research responsibilities. These positions not only help offset the cost of the program but also provide valuable professional experience that supports academic and career development.

Additional funding opportunities may also be available through scholarships, grants, and federal or state financial aid programs. Together, these resources help reduce the overall cost of earning an advanced degree and allow students to focus more fully on their thesis research and professional growth.

Applying to the Master of Science in Natural Resources at UW-Stevens Point

Applying to the Master of Science in Natural Resources program is a personalized, faculty-centered process designed to ensure strong alignment between your academic interests, research goals, and faculty expertise. Rather than a traditional admissions model, acceptance is based on finding a graduate faculty adviser who agrees to support and guide your studies. This approach helps ensure that each student enters the program with a clear research direction and meaningful mentorship from the beginning of their graduate experience.

Step 1. Choose your area of interest

Begin by selecting the discipline that best aligns with your goals, such as Environment and Society, Fisheries and Water Resources, Forestry, Soil and Waste Resources, or Wildlife Ecology.

Step 2. Connect with a Faculty adviser

Reach out directly to the College of Natural Resources faculty whose research interests match yours. Admission requires a faculty member to agree to serve as your graduate adviser.

Step 3: Submit application materials

Prepare and send the following required materials:
- Resume or CV
- Statement of purpose (professional interests and goals)
- Writing sample (academic paper)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of at least a 3.0 GPA in the last two undergraduate years

Step 4: Complete the Graduate Application

Submit the official UWSP Graduate School application, including:
- Application form
- Application fee
- Official transcripts
International students must apply through International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).

Step 5: Review and Admission Decision

Once a faculty member agrees to serve as your adviser and all materials are received, your application will be reviewed. If accepted, you will receive an official admission notification to the program.

Additional Notes:

Some applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may still be considered if a prospective adviser submits a waiver request, and it is approved. Graduate assistantship opportunities may also be available to support students financially during their studies.

Important Dates

To receive top consideration for admission to the MNR program, sign up for an information session or submit your application by the priority deadline for your intended semester.

6/15

Fall Semester Application Deadline

11/1

Spring Semester Application Deadline

Courses for the Master of Science in Natural Resources

The Master of Science in Natural Resources program is a thesis-based graduate degree designed to provide students with advanced academic training and independent research experience. Working closely with a graduate committee, students develop a customized plan of study that includes required coursework, research credits, and a culminating thesis. The program also includes a final comprehensive oral examination to demonstrate mastery of both coursework and research.

Credit Requirement
- Minimum of 30 graduate credits
- At least 15 credits at the 700-level or above
- Courses selected with your graduate committee based on your research and goals
Graduate Committee
- Minimum of 3 graduate faculty members
- At least 2 members must be from the College of Natural Resources
Core Coursework
- Graduate seminar required (NRES 795 – 1 credit)
- Research methods course requirement:
  - NRES 750 or NRES 791 (1 credit)
- Limited number of credits from core NRES courses may count toward the 30-credit total
Thesis Requirement
- Completion of an independent research thesis
- Minimum of 6 credits of NRES 799 (Thesis)
- Thesis completed under faculty adviser and committee supervision
- Final approved thesis submitted electronically to the university library
Final Examination
- Comprehensive oral exam
- Covers both coursework and thesis research
  - Conducted by your graduate committee

Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to and completing a graduate degree can raise many important questions about admissions, requirements, funding, and program expectations. Below you will find answers to common inquiries about the Master of Science in Natural Resources to help you better understand the application process, academic structure, and student experience.

Can I apply if my undergraduate degree is not in natural resources?

Yes. Students from related or unrelated fields may apply, but additional coursework may be required depending on your academic background.

Is the program course-based or thesis-based?

The program is a thesis-based Master of Science degree, requiring independent research and a final oral examination in addition to coursework.

How long does the program take to complete?

The program is designed to be completed in approximately two years of full-time, in-person study.

What are the application deadlines?

The application deadlines for the Master of Science in Natural Resources program are June 15 for fall admission and November 1 for spring admission.

What financial support is available?

Students may be eligible for graduate assistantships, scholarships, and federal or state financial aid, which may help offset tuition costs and provide a stipend.

Are assistantship guaranteed?

No. Assistantships are competitive and are typically awarded by individual faculty members based on funding availability and student qualifications.

What are the minimum GPA requirements?

A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate study is generally required, though waivers may be considered in some cases with faculty support.

Who can I contact for more information?

For more information about the Master of Science in Natural Resources program, you can contact the program office by email at cnrms@uwsp.edu or by phone at 715-346-4617.

Meet Our Instructors

Our faculty members teach in one of the nation’s top undergraduate natural resources colleges, which means your instructors are leading professionals in their fields of study and will provide quality and relatable courses with the current curriculum for your MS program.

View all our faculty and staff here.