Academics
Build the skills to change the world.
This Master of Natural Resources is a residential fellowship in Environmental Education and Science Communication. Live at the McCall Field Campus while you take coursework in science communication, leadership, place-based education and ecology. Gain hands-on experience by applying academic content directly to your role as a field instructor at the nationally recognized McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS).
Watch the video below to see our winter ecology course in action. Snow science at 7000 feet!
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Learn more about programs offered at the McCall Field Campus.
Master of natural resources
This program prepares you to be an effective educator, scientist and communicator—able to connect diverse audiences with the natural world.
Prospective graduate students from across all disciplines should apply—we value the diversity of thinking that comes from a variety of backgrounds. Our program is inclusive and we seek sincere, hardworking, creative applicants who demonstrate a desire to learn and a willingness to facilitate youth programs.
Degree highlights
- 32 credit, non-thesis program – completed in 10.5 months
- No GRE required
- Class weeks consist of a preset schedule of day-long classes, field trips and guest speakers, all led by University of Idaho faculty
- Practicum weeks are spent as an instructor at the McCall Outdoor Science School, leading K12 students throughout Ponderosa State Park to connect them to the natural world
- Highlight is a 3-day visit to University of Idaho’s Taylor Wilderness Research Station, located in the heart of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
Master of natural resources
Learn more about obtaining a master's of natural resources degree.
Visit a research station in the wilderness
Students in the MNR program can visit University of Idaho’s Taylor Wilderness Research Station, located in the heart of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness — the largest contiguous wilderness area in the continental United States. During your time at Taylor, you can explore the surrounding backcountry, reflect on your learning and experience the rich ecological diversity of a remote research hub home to mountain lions, wolves, bears, elk, bighorn sheep and mountain goats.
Environmental education and science communication
Add hands-on science education and communication experience to your Ph.D. or M.S. program.
Tuition, fees and fellowship
The Master of Natural Resources – Fellowship in Environmental Education and Science Communication is one of the best values in our industry. While the program requires a high level of student commitment, the degree is completed in 10.5 months versus a more costly two-year degree.
The current cost for this MNR degree program is $28,566 billed over 2
semesters.
Tuition and fees listed are for the current academic year and are subject to increase at least 3% each spring semester as directed by the State Board of Education.
Optional costs*
| Housing - Yurt | Housing - Cabin | Meal plan - orientation | Meal plan - semester | |
| Fall | $750 | $1,000 | ~$350 | ~$1400 |
| Spring | $750 | $1,000 | ~$100 | ~$1700 |
*May/summer session occurs but does not incur separate fees.
*You will have the choice to live on or off campus. If you would like to live on campus, you can submit a request upon enrollment until the available housing is filled. All housing is double occupancy.
*You can choose to opt in or out of the meal plan. The meal plan includes meals Mon-Fri during program weeks. You will have access to a fully supplied community kitchen.
*Should there be changes in K12 program schedule, the semester meal plan will be adjusted to match and refunds at the end of the semester will occur.
U of I courses taken outside of the MNR EESC curriculum will be charged at part-time student tuition rates.
Program deposit
If you are offered a position in the program and accept our offer, we require a $1,500 nonrefundable deposit. Please contact us if you need to spread this payment out over time. The deposit is directly applied to your first semester bill which is typically issued in early August.
Student health insurance
Health insurance is required for all degree-seeking students enrolled for 4 or more credits on the Moscow campus and enrolled in 8 or more credits on other university campuses. Students with insurance that meets the university requirements can waive coverage in the University Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP). The approximate cost of the U of I SHIP program is $1,200/semester.
Required wilderness first aid certification
All MOSS graduate students must be certified in Wilderness First Aid from an accredited program such as NOLS Wilderness Medicine, Wilderness Medical Associates or SOLO. We host a NOLS Wilderness Medicine WFA/CPR combo the weekend before orientation. Learn about Wilderness Medicine course offerings.
Since this certification is required to participate in the program, University of Idaho will cover the price of the Wilderness First Aid course. Students with preexisting or more comprehensive training (Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness Emergency Medical Technicians) will not be reimbursed.
Additional financial aid
EESC fellowship
The environmental education and science communication program automatically awards a one-time payment of $1000.00 to all eligible students.
Scholarships
You are encouraged to apply for any and all external grants and scholarships. Search through Scholarship Universe, open to current and newly admitted U of I students, to see a variety of scholarships.
As part of the University of Idaho, we have access to their resources and support. Contact the Financial Aid office for more information about loans and grants.
Part-time jobs at MOSS
On-campus jobs will be available to any student who wants one. Students apply for and begin their jobs near the beginning of October, after orientation ends. These positions pay $15/hour.
Part-time job opportunities are available at MOSS in various departments.
Some students in the past have taken part-time jobs in town. Some students also stay in McCall over the holiday break and find temporary work at the local ski hill!
Student loans
MOSS students are eligible for federal financial aid programs. Students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. To receive consideration for need-based aid, fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You must file by December 1st to receive priority consideration for all aid.