Natural Resources and Environment

The Natural Resources and Environment program at the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to address the complex challenges facing our planet's natural ecosystems. This program provides students with an in-depth understanding of the scientific, social, economic, and policy dimensions of natural resource management and environmental sustainability. Through a combination of coursework, research opportunities, and hands-on field experiences, students will develop critical skills in ecological analysis, environmental policy formulation, resource conservation, and sustainable development practices. The curriculum emphasizes integrating scientific principles with human dimensions to create innovative solutions for pressing environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, water resource management, and pollution control. Students can tailor their academic experience by choosing from a variety of electives spanning disciplines like biology, geology, environmental economics, public policy, and planning. The program also encourages engagement with local and global communities to foster practical understanding and contribute to meaningful environmental stewardship. Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in government agencies, non-profit organizations, consulting firms, research institutions, and environmental advocacy groups. They possess the knowledge and skills necessary to develop policies, implement conservation initiatives, conduct environmental impact assessments, and lead projects aimed at sustainable resource use. The university's state-of-the-art facilities, renowned faculty, and strong networks with governmental and industry partners ensure students receive a robust and relevant education that prepares them to address the critical natural resource and environmental challenges of today and tomorrow. With a commitment to interdisciplinary learning, experiential education, and community engagement, the Natural Resources and Environment program at the University of Michigan is dedicated to training the next generation of environmental leaders and decision-makers committed to creating a sustainable future.

Minimum Number of Credits Required: 42 credit hours including at least 25 hours in School of Natural Resources and Environment courses.

Core Course Requirement: Two core courses, NRE 509, NRE 510, Integrated Analytics Method & Skills requirement.Two courses, minimum three credits total.

Foreign Language Requirement: None.

Work Experience Requirement: None, but one to three years of relevant work experience is very strongly recommended for admission.

Opus Requirement: As part of their degree requirements, SNRE master's students complete a master's project, practicum, or thesis. Non-opus course options are available; requirements differ for each field of study.

Final Examination: Students completing a project must prepare a written report and present their work in a public forum.

Fields of Study

Within the Master of Science Degree program are six fields of study:

• Behavior, Education and Communication
  Provides insight into how humans and the environment sustain and shape each other.
  • Specific Course Requirement: At least three courses specializing in Behavior, Education and Communication with 9-12. At least two Analytics courses, including NRE 538 or equivalent and another graduate level analytical course. Elective courses are field of study specific and must be a graduate level course at 400-level and above. The faculty advisor will indicate other specific course requirements based on the individual’s background. A minimum of 4 credit hours outside of SNRE are required as cognate courses, which can be double counted with other degree requirements. 
  • Opus Requirement:
    • Option #1: At most 6 credit hours of NRE 700/NRE 701
    • Option #2: 6 credit hours of advanced coursework including at least 1 BEC seminar (600 level), and one skills module, and or any remaining credit hours taken as courses from BEC lists A & B.
• Conservation Ecology
  Provides training in basic and applied sciences relevant to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems sciences as well as conservation biology issues related to resource conservation and ecosystem management.
  • Specific Course Requirement: At least three courses specializing in Conservation Ecology with 9 credit hours total. Elective courses are field of study specific and must be a graduate level course at 400-level and above. At least two Analytics courses, including NRE 538 or equivalent and another acceptable graduate level analytical course. The faculty advisor will indicate other specific course requirements based on the individual’s background. A minimum of 4 credit hours outside of SNRE are required as cognate courses, which can be double counted with other degree requirements. 
  • Opus Requirement:
    • Option #1: At most 6 credit hours of NRE 700/NRE 701
    • Option #2: 6-8 credits of Conservation Ecology approved courses; See advisor for non-opus guidance.
• Environmental Informatics
  Gain knowledge and skills in quantitative and spatial techniques for studying environmental and ecological systems and their interactions with humans and their institutions.
  • Specific Course Requirement: Two core courses, NRE 531: Principles of GIS and NRE 541: Remote Sensing. One Analytics course, NRE 538. At least six credits of Elective courses that are field of study specific and must be a graduate level course at 400-level and above. The faculty advisor will indicate other specific course requirements based on the individual’s background. A minimum of 4 credit hours outside of SNRE are required as cognate courses, which can be double counted with other degree requirements. 
  • Opus Requirement:
    • Option #1: At most 6 credit hours of NRE 700/NRE 701
    • Option #2: Non-Opus - Additional approved courses to total 42 credits.
• Environmental Justice
  Develop understanding of issues that have launched a worldwide environmental justice movement.
  • Specific Course Requirement: At least three courses specializing in Environmental Justice. Distribution courses with one course focused on international context of Environmental Justice. Elective courses are field of study specific and must be a graduate level course at 400-level and above. At least two Analytics courses, including one statistics course and another graduate level analytical course. The faculty advisor will indicate other specific course requirements based on the individual’s background. A minimum of 4 credit hours outside of SNRE are required as cognate courses, which can be double counted with other degree requirements. 
  • Opus Requirement:
    • Option #1: At most 6 credit hours of NRE 700/NRE 701
    • Option #2: See advisor for non-opus guidance.
• Environmental Policy and Planning
  Helps students develop skills in: formulating, analyzing and advocating alternative policy strategies; developing new decision-making processes; devising creative approaches to management
  • Specific Course Requirement: Policy Specialization - NRE 562; Planning Specialization - NRE 562 and Planning course. Elective courses are field of study specific and must be a graduate level course at 400-level and above. At least two Analytics courses, including one statistics course and Policy Specialization - NRE 570 and one other economic 7 week course; Planning Specialization - NRE 531. The faculty advisor will indicate other specific course requirements based on the individual’s background. A minimum of 4 credit hours outside of SNRE are required as cognate courses, which can be double counted with other degree requirements. 
  • Opus Requirement:
    • Option #1: At most 6 credit hours of NRE 700/NRE 701
    • Option #2: 8 credits of Environmental Policy and Planning approved courses; 
• Sustainable Systems
  Provides students an interdisciplinary education to guide the development and transformation of technologies, enterprise and systems for meeting basic human needs in a sustainable manner.
  • Specific Course Requirement: 6 credits in Systems Analysis for Sustainability and at least three courses specializing in Sustainable Design and Technology and Sustainable Enterprise with 9 credit hours total. At least 8 credit hours of Elective courses that are field of study specific and must be a graduate level course at 400-level and above. One statistics course and at least two approved Sustainable Systems Analytics courses. The faculty advisor will indicate other specific course requirements based on the individual’s background. A minimum of 4 credit hours outside of SNRE are required as cognate courses, which can be satisfied by courses meeting other degree requirements but cannot be double counted with other degree requirements. 
  • Opus Requirement:
    • Option #1: 6 credit hours of NRE 700/NRE 701
    • Option #2: 3 credits Sustainable Systems core and 3 credits Advisor approved coursework;

• Applicants complete a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association; or Complete an international degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree from a college or university recognized and approved by the Ministry of Education or Commission responsible for higher education in the country where the degree is earned. 
• Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. Applicants are required to provide an official score report. Photocopies and/or faxes of English proficiency scores will not be accepted. IELTS 6.5, IBT TOEFL 85
• Transcripts
• Application Fee and Payment
• Statements and Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Letters of Recommendation

The Natural Resources and Environment program at the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive approach to understanding the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources. Regarding financing studies, students typically have access to a variety of funding options aimed at supporting their academic pursuits. These include institutional scholarships, departmental awards, and national fellowship programs. The University of Michigan provides merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students demonstrating exceptional academic achievement and commitment to environmental issues. Graduate students may be eligible for research assistantships, which often include a stipend and tuition remission in exchange for assisting faculty with research projects related to natural resources and environmental sciences. Additionally, students can apply for federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants and federal loans, to help cover tuition costs and living expenses during their studies. Many students seek external funding sources, including private scholarships and grants offered by environmental organizations, government agencies, and research foundations dedicated to sustainability and environmental protection. The university’s Office of Financial Aid offers counseling and resources to guide students through the application processes for these programs. Students are encouraged to explore multiple funding avenues early in their academic planning to ensure adequate financial support throughout their course of study. The program's emphasis on practical research and fieldwork often provides opportunities for paid internships and project-based work, further assisting students financially. Overall, while exact details on funding packages may vary depending on the individual’s academic level and specific circumstances, the University of Michigan’s commitment to fostering environmental leaders includes extensive financial support options designed to make studying natural resources and environment accessible and affordable for qualified students.

The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor offers a comprehensive program in Natural Resources and Environment designed to prepare students for diverse careers focused on the sustainable management of natural resources and environmental systems. This program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating scientific knowledge with practical applications to address complex environmental challenges. Students enrolled in the program have opportunities to engage in research, fieldwork, and internships that enhance their understanding of ecological processes, resource conservation, pollution control, and environmental policy. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics including ecology, geology, forestry, water resources, climate change, and environmental policy and law. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for effective environmental management and advocacy. The program maintains close collaborations with governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry partners, providing students with real-world experience and networking opportunities. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in environmental consulting, resource management, policy analysis, conservation, and sustainable development. The University of Michigan's facilities support cutting-edge research and hands-on learning, fostering an environment of innovation and academic excellence. With faculty members who are leaders in their fields, the program ensures students receive mentorship and training aligned with current environmental issues and future challenges. Overall, the program aims to cultivate environmentally responsible professionals dedicated to preserving natural resources and promoting sustainable environmental practices worldwide.