Environment, Natural Resources & Society, M.S.

Program Overview

Students earning the master of science in Environment, Natural Resources & Society (ENRS) will consult a Haub School advisor to design a program of study tailored to meet their educational goals. Students take courses and complete a Plan A research thesis or Plan B research project focusing on issues pertinent to environmental or natural resources management or policy.

Graduates of this program will:

• develop an interdisciplinary and collaborative mindset;
• experience critical engagement with community stakeholders and decision-makers;
• excel in team-based collaborative environments;
• gain experience in relevant and emergent research methods and practices;
• demonstrate excellent written, oral, and digital communication across a range of audiences and purposes, including developing expertise in public engagement;
• apply conceptual, critical, and creative thought to relevant environmental and natural resource issues; and,
• analyze and evaluate complex systems that contribute to inclusive, sound, and well-informed decisions.

Applicants to the M.S. in Environment, Natural Resources & Society must apply directly to the University of Wyoming. Applications for graduate assistantships should be directed to the Haub School. Current application requirements are available online.

Students must earn a minimum of 32 credit hours for the Plan A thesis option and 30 credit hours for the Plan B option:

11 Credit Hours in ENRS Core Courses:

• ENR 5001 - Orientation to ENRS Credits: 2
• ENR 5100 - Foundations of ENRS Credits: 3
• ENR 5900 - Capstone in ENR Credits: 3
• ENR 5921 - Collaborative Practicum Credits: 1-3 (3 credits; may be completed for 1+ credit hours over multiple semesters)

Plan A Thesis Credit (4 credit hours):

• ENR 5960 - Thesis Research Credits: 1-12

Or Plan B Thesis Credit (2 credit hours):

• ENR 5961 - Plan B Project Credits: 1

17 Credit Hours in ENRS Electives:

Students will consult with their Haub School advisor to choose electives that support their plan of study and Plan A or Plan B thesis. Choose courses from any of the following categories:

Plan A or Plan B Project Research:

Both Plan A and Plan B theses lead to original thought, synthesis, or integration of relevant elements of scholarship on issues pertinent to environmental and natural resources management or policy. The Plan A thesis will incorporate original research and data analysis on an applied environmental or natural resource management problem. The Plan B thesis project is somewhat more flexible and may take a variety of forms. Students will consult their major advisor and graduate committee on the form and content of the Plan A and Plan B thesis.