Biological Sciences (M.S.) - Natural Resource Management Specialization

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Students working outside in a grassy field.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Michele Dudash, Department Head and Professor
Department of Natural Resource Management
Edgar S. McFadden Biostress Laboratory 138, Box 2140B
605-688-6121

Program Information

The Natural Resource Management specialization will provide training in ecology, evolution, environmental sciences, and range areas of expertise with a focus on basic and applied research.

Course Delivery Format

Biological Sciences courses are delivered face-to-face and enhanced with web-based instruction. Online delivery may be offered for specific courses. Field research may require extended time periods away from campus.

Student Learning Outcomes

Knowledge of program: Exhibit knowledge concerning biological and/or microbiological systems/sciences at a level appropriate to a M.S. degree holder.
Communication skills: Be able to effectively express themselves orally and in written form.
Understand scientific method: Understand the scientific methods and techniques for solving research problems and analyze scientific data using the appropriate statistics.
Use statistics to analyze data: Be able to use statistics to analyze scientific data.
Specialization: Specialize in some area of biology, biotechnology and/or microbiology, but still be broadly based in knowledge in cellular and molecular biology.
Publish research: Be able to conduct and publish scholarly research. (Option A)
Professional Development: Demonstrate professional development and competence so that they may enter the work force in academia or industry.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Option A - Thesis	30 Credit Hours
	Option B - Research/Design Paper	32 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

NRM 790 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1 (2 credits required)
STAT courses numbered 500 level or higher Credits: 3
Additional course credits from BOT, EES, NRM, RANG, or WL numbered 500-level or higher Credits: 6

Select one of the following options

Option A - Thesis

BIOS 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-10 (5-10 credits required)
Electives Credits: 9-14

Option B - Research/Design Paper

NRM 788 - Research Problems/Projects (COM) Credits: 1-3 (2-3 credits required)
Electives Credits: 18-19

Total Required Credits: 30 (Option A), 32 (Option B)

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not Required
TOEFL: 71 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 7.5
IELTS: 6.0
Duolingo: 100

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework.

For additional information refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .