Master of Natural Resources (MNR)

A Master of Natural Resources (MNR) from the University of Idaho prepares you to address global environmental concerns we face every day. Our breadth of curriculum will give you an understanding of ecological principles and the ability to analyze and interpret ecological conditions. You’ll also have the analytical and problem-solving skills needed to predict the consequences of natural resource management decisions. With an ecological background, you’ll understand the role that public and private organizations play in influencing policy, issues and standards involved in the management of natural resources.

The MNR program gives you the flexibility to build a customized study plan in collaboration with your major professor. You may take courses in an area in which you want more depth as part of the program's free electives, in additon to the program's breadth coursework. For complete details about the program and applying for it, click here: MNR Program Web site.

Other options for the MNR program include various certificate programs, which will expose you to concepts and tools used in restoration ecology efforts, fire ecology and management techniques, and environmental education:

• Restoration Ecology Certificate
• Fire Ecology and Management Certificate
• Environmental Education Graduate Certificate

The University of Idaho MNR curriculum will give you a comprehensive understanding of a number of important issues that collectively make up the field of modern natural resources. Your classes are divided into four areas of emphasis:

• Planning, policy, & law
• Ecology & management of natural resources
• Human dimensions
• Tools & technology

In contrast to the Master of Science (M.S.) and doctorate (Ph.D.) programs that emphasize in-depth research, our MNR program gives you an understanding of a range of topics related to natural resources. The program is taught through traditional class lectures and online courses and includes participation in individual and group projects. Before graduation, you’ll also be required to prepare a final oral presentation focused on a current environmental management topic that interests you.

Prepare for Success

If you already have an undergraduate degree in this area, an MNR can advance your career and help you move into management or administrative positions. If you don’t have this background, the MNR can help you break into a career focused on environmental issues.

Your First Year

MNR classes are divided into four areas of emphasis:

• Policy, planning, & law
• Ecology & management of natural resources
• Human dimensions
• Tools & technology

Some of the classes your first year might include are:

• Interdisciplinary Natural Resource Planning
• Wildlife Habitat Ecology
• Human Dimensions of Restoration Ecology
• GIS Applications in Natural Resources

Apply for Admission

Download the Graduate Admission Application

What You Can Do

This advanced degree prepares you for a variety of innovative and exciting careers. Depending on what you’re most interested in, you may become a:

• Environmental consultant
• Manager of sustainable development
• Public information officer for a city or national park
• Director for a public utility
• Lobbyist for a land development commission
• Corporate agricultural development consultant

Opportunities

As our impact on our natural environment becomes more transparent, the field of natural resources and the demand for professionals in this area continues to grow. Whether you want to work as an administrator with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to help protect streams and waterways, or you want to become a private consultant that works with developers to apply sustainable design principles, a Master of Natural Resources can get you there.

Other career opportunities are available in the areas of ecological restoration or reintroduction, research, forestry management, soil or wildlife management and much more. Examples of employers include:

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• Idaho Department of Fish and Game
• The Nature Conservancy
• Bureau of Indian Affairs
• U.S. Forest Service
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Bureau of Land Management
• American Fisheries Society
• State Departments of Fish and Game
• Bureau of Reclamation
• Consulting and project management firms

Current Research

The Master of Natural Resources (MNR) program is not research oriented. Our diverse course work is designed to give you a breadth of understanding of natural resources, particularly in the areas of management and administration.

Activities

Students can further expand their social and professional interactions by participating in other organizations, such as:

• Ecology and Conservation Biology Club
• Range Club/ Society for Range Management Student Conclave
• Student Organization for the People and the Environment (SOPE)

Hands-On Experience

Through traditional course work and team projects, the MNR graduate program will give you the tools and background you need to address the challenges associated with the sustainable use of resources. You’ll also learn about validated processes for effective ecosystem management.

In your final oral presentation, you will apply your understanding of ecological, social, political and management concepts to decipher important natural resources issues.

Facilities

The university hosts world-class research centers for remote sensing and ecological genetics. Idaho and the surrounding states also offer an outstanding outdoor classroom for natural resources issues. Some of our unique off-site facilities include the University of Idaho Experimental Forest, the Guernsey Outdoor Classroom,the McCall Field Campus and the incomparable Taylor Wilderness Research Station, a wilderness research facility nestled in the heart of the Frank Church—River of No Return Wilderness. 

Online & Outreach

The MNR program is available entirely online, in the traditional classroom setting or a combination of both. This is made possible through Web based course delivery, the University of Idaho, other universities and the Natural Resources Distance Learning Consortium.

Faculty Involvement

An adviser will assist you with course work planning and employment and career options. MNR faculty include:

R. Robberecht
Professor
Specialty area of Interest: Physiological plant ecology (Ecophysiology); guided independent learning (use of information technology in science education); scientific visualization and modeling (integration of ecological processes, molecule to globe)
» View R. Robberecht's Site

Lauren Fins
Professor
Specialty Areas of Interest: * Genetic improvement of forest trees * Effects of forest management on genetic resources * Genetic architecture of forest tree species and populations * Using vegetative propagation to enhance forest species * Ecological and genetic effects on blister rust infection in western white and whitebark pines
» View Lauren Fins' profile

Jo Ellen Force
Professor
Specialty Areas of Interest: Forest policy and the relationships between people and natural resources; Human Ecosystem Model and related studies
» View Jo Ellen Force's faculty profile

Edwin E. Krumpe
Professor; Department Head
Dr. Krumpe is a professor of resource recreation and tourism in the University of Idaho College of Conservation Social Sciences. In addition to his academic responsibilities, Professor Krumpe is the Principle Scientist of Wilderness Management of the University of Idaho Wilderness Research Center, for which he served as director for six years. He has over thirty one years experience in conducting research and teaching about recreation and tourism management, wilderness and wild and scenic river planning, natural resource communication, and public involvement and conflict resolution.
» View Ed Krumpe's faculty profile

Kerri Vierling
Associate Professor
Research Focus: Avian Ecology, Fire Effects on Wildlife, Novel Applications of Remote Sensing Approaches in Wildlife Conservation, Cavity Nester Dynamics, K-12 Outreach Animal Ecology, Animal-Habitat Relationships.
» View Kerri's Vierling's faculty profile