North Carolina State University offers an intercollege master's program focusing on several aspects of natural resource policy, management, and assessment. A selection of technical options couple Natural Resources core courses in natural resources issues and management with a series of related courses in a variety of technical disciplines. The purpose of the natural resources core curriculum is to educate professionals at the master's degree level who will be well versed in policy and regulation and who have skills in quantitative assessments. Many positions in federal and state agencies, private companies, and environmental organizations require individuals with expertise in a technical area coupled with a broad knowledge of policy and management. The technical options are designed to enhance students' understanding of the processes within an individual option. Courses within the various options are taught in several different departments and provide a broad background with rigorous technical emphases. Enrollment in the Natural Resources master's program generally requires a natural resources related undergraduate degree. For students who do not have a natural resources background, additional courses may be required depending on the option and the student's area of interest.

Students enrolled in a Natural Resources program may choose to pursue a Master of Science in Natural Resources (MS in NR) or a Master of Natural Resources (MNR). In general, the MS degree requires that a student develop and conduct a research project. The MS student proposes and tests a hypothesis, and presents methodologies and results of the test or experiment as a thesis. The MS degree is the preferred track for students who may be interested in pursuing a Ph.D. or who anticipate conducting or reviewing research in their future work. Natural Resources students in an MS program generally take up to 6 credit hours of thesis research and/or thesis preparation in addition to 12-15 credit hours in courses from their chosen option.

A limited number of 400 level courses from departments other than the major department may count toward the degree requirements. Note that the courses listed within each technical option may have prerequisites. In general, these prerequisites would be required in addition to core and technical option courses. Course substitutions must be approved by the student's committee.

The Master of Science in Natural Resources degree offers two technical options through the PRTM Department.

1. Outdoor Recreation Management technical option prepares students for positions with federal land management agencies with state park agencies and regional park authorities; and with private and non-profit organizations.
2. Students completing a master's degree in Natural Resources with a technical option in Geographic Information Science will be prepared for positions with federal land management agencies; with state land management agencies such as the N.C. Forest Service; with regional planning organizations; and with private consulting firms. Sixteen hours of core requirements and 15-17 hours of electives are required for the Natural Resources Administration degree.

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Outdoor Recreation Management

Geographic Information Science

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