Natural resources | Fish and wildlife science and management option
Master of Natural Resources
Protect species, restore habitats, shape the future
If you're looking to advance your career in fish and wildlife management — or break into the field with a strong, interdisciplinary foundation — the fish and wildlife science and management option of the Master of Natural Resources (M.N.R.) at University of Idaho is designed for you. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring manager, this non-thesis program blends traditional graduate-level science coursework with critical policy and social dimensions of wildlife and fisheries management.
You can complete the program 100% online, on campus or through a flexible mix of both. You’ll learn from faculty ranked among the top in the nation for research productivity, and you'll gain a systems-level understanding of natural resource management that integrates ecology, policy, human dimensions and cutting-edge tools.
With over a century of leadership in natural resources education, the College of Natural Resources prepares you to lead in a field that demands both scientific expertise and the ability to navigate complex social and political landscapes — all without putting your career on hold. Join the country’s largest natural resources graduate program from any location.
Highlights of this program include:
- Multiple practicum experiences are built into the program
- Internship and research project opportunities
- Non-thesis online or in-person program designed for working professionals to work at their own pace
- Students may complete the degree in as little as three semesters
- Up to 12 applicable graduate-level credits can be transferred into the program
- Can be completed entirely online
- Apply year-round
See the full curriculum in the catalog.
View the online natural resources graduate handbook
Overview
Related Topics
Lead with science, protect with purpose
Application information
Applicants for the M.N.R. in natural resources, fish and wildlife science and management must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo: 79/6.5/115 (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language)
- Number of references: Two
- Other requirements: No
Fall, Spring, Summer admission is available for this program at the Moscow campus or Online.
Master Natural Resources Specific
- Deadlines: Fall/Summer semester – April 1; Spring semester – November 1
- Program availability:
- Concentration: non-thesis
- Semester intake: Fall, Spring, and Summer
- Eligible for Expedited admission for U of I undergraduates
- Eligible for international admission
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application. Review the CNR Graduate Studies Handbook for additional information.
Contact information
MNR Program Information:
College of Natural Resources Graduate Studies Office
cnr-grad-studies@uidaho.edu
208-885-1505
Graduate Admissions contact:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001
Tuition and fees
There is no full-time tuition rate for the Master of Natural Resources (FEM, REHM, INR and FWSM options). All students pay the same per-credit tuition, regardless of residency, term or enrollment status. MNR courses are $649 per credit hour for campus and online courses, plus a $35 per credit fee for online courses. Some courses include additional fees.
Company tuition assistance
Many companies provide tuition assistance as part of their employee benefits package. Explore your company's website or engage in a conversation with your manager or human resources department to inquire about the availability of tuition assistance for your professional development.
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Are a natural resources professional who wants to advance into a management or administrative role
- Want to begin a new career in wildlife and fisheries science and/or management
- Want to earn your degree while you continue working
- Want to earn a degree at your own pace and online
- Work well independently
- Have strong communication, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
Program curriculum includes:
- Core courses Wildland Habitat Ecology and Assessment or Human Dimensions of Natural Resources; Fish and Wildlife Seminar; Science Synthesis and Communication
- Engage in a practical internship plus a Final Comprehensive Portfolio or a research project
- One course in policy, planning and society
- Three courses in fish and wildlife sciences
- Two courses in quantitative methods
- Two additional electives
- 30 credits total: see the complete curriculum in the catalog
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,308 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Biologists
$90,815 - Natural Sciences Managers
$152,883 - Environmental Restoration Planners
$85,618 - Postsecondary Environmental Science Teachers
$82,848 - Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
$79,684
* Career data provided by Lightcast.