Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Natural Resources

Graduate training emphasizes developing broad-based knowledge necessary to manage natural resources. The Field of Natural Resources encompasses a broad range of sub-disciplines, including: Applied Ecology; Conservation Biology; Ecosystem Biology and Biogeochemistry; Fishery and Aquatic Science; Forest Science; Quantitative Ecology; Wildlife Science; Community-based Natural Resources Management; Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management; Policy and Institutional Analysis; Program Development and Evaluation; Risk Analysis and Management. The M.S. and Ph.D. programs are research oriented, and each requires a thesis or dissertation. Students are normally expected to obtain the M.S. or equivalent degree before entering the Ph.D. program. The Field of Natural Resources provides freedom to design a graduate program that addresses the individual interests of students. Excellent laboratory and field facilities are available. Many graduate students in the field also pursue international research topics. The graduate program in natural resources is highly individualized and interdisciplinary. Students work with faculty advisors to identify course requirements and to define a research or professional project. In order to be admitted, a faculty member must express interest in supervising a prospective student, therefore it is important to correspond with potential faculty advisors during the application process.