Degree timeline
- Read through your letter of acceptance carefully, ask any questions you need answered, sign, and return to the Director of the MNR. There may be a suggested course or two you’ll need to take in order to have the appropriate prerequisites for upper division and graduate level courses. Be sure to address these requests early in your graduate coursework. These courses typically do not count towards your degree requirements.
- Review the degree requirements. These are outlined in the University’s Catalog.
- Register for classes that will contribute to your MNR degree program. You can register for the number of courses that fit within your life schedule. Seek advising from the Director and the Administrative Assistant for the program if you have questions. A list of qualifying courses for each Option in the MNR can be found here in the catalog. Additional courses may be taken to fulfill degree requirements on a case by case basis. If you want to take courses outside this list, just work with the Director or your Advisor to request a substitution- this is a flexible program.
- Get to know the faculty. The MNR has a Core group of faculty who help govern the program, but all CNR faculty are potential advisors. Search the faculty pages for the Core Faculty as well as the CNR faculty pages. Identify three or more faculty whose interests interest you. The Director and you will work together to choose an advisor from your list, given faculty availability.
- Cultivate your working relationship with your Advisor. After your advisor has been selected, fill out the Advisor Appointment form and have them sign it. Return with both of your signatures to the Director of the program, as we’ll forward it to the Graduate School. Meet with your advisor at least once a semester to discuss course work, and to begin thinking about your final project (usually completed during the last semester of enrollment).
- Submit your Study Plan. This should be completed by the beginning of your second semester, and will be reviewed by your Advisor. Follow the directions found here.
- After completing approximately 15 credits, you should begin discussing your Final Project with your Advisor. Every student’s final project is different- it’s designed this way to give you the flexibility to identify a meaningful project you can work on together. There are two pathways: you can conduct a final project and deliver a presentation, or create a Portfolio that chronicles previous assignments and your reflections on how they helped you achieve your educational goals. Discuss these options with your Advisor prior to your last semester. In both cases, you’ll be asked to demonstrate how you’ve achieved the Student Learning Outcomes of the program.
- Once your required coursework is completed, register for 2 non-thesis online research credits (NR 599) listed under your Advisor’s name.
- Graduation. Once your coursework and/or final project is accepted by the group of faculty, and your coursework is completed at the required minimum standard (B average or higher), you can celebrate the completion of your MNR degree! Be sure to keep in touch via the Facebook page, and let your Advisor and the Director know how the MNR has worked for you.