FAQs
Requirements for admission to all graduate degree programs include:
- Undergraduate degree (minimum GPA of 3.0*)
- Goals statement (XMNR only)
- $75 non-refundable Virginia Tech Application for Admission fee
- Current resume/CV (XMNR only)
- Two professional recommendations (XMNR only)
- Copies of official relevant academic transcripts
Requirements for admission to all graduate certificate (GC) programs are the same as for degree programs but the application fee is $25. This fee is waived if the student already has graduate degree-seeking status at Virginia Tech.
No GRE required; English language proficiency assessment (TOEFL) is required for international students per VT Graduate School requirements.
*Talk to an Academic Advisor in the program of your choice if your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0.
The Master of Natural Resources is a 30-credit professional (non-thesis) graduate degree consisting of 5 required core courses and 5 elective courses.
The Online Master of Natural Resources program offers students flexibility to choose degree time-to-completion and the number of courses to take per semester, based on what works for their schedule. Many OMNR students enroll in two courses (6 credit hours) per semester to qualify for financial aid, finishing the degree in about 18-months, but students have up to five years to complete their coursework, and some graduate in one year.
Students in the Executive Master of Natural Resources program have the required credit hours mapped for them for the duration of the program, which allows them to graduate in a year.
Our programs are offered in two formats: online and hybrid.
In the Online Master of Natural Resources (OMNR) program, courses are taught asynchronously. This is not the same as self-paced or self-taught; there are course module and assignment deadlines to keep students on track, as well as both individual and group activities. However, students don't have to schedule their time to join real-time, streaming lectures; instead, they can access their course(s) when it's convenient for them, instead they can access their course(s) based on what works for their life.. Our students live and work all over the world, so this asynchronous format allows for maximum flexibility. The OMNR curriculum also includes two hybrid courses that feature in-person Study Abroad or Field Study experiences.
The Executive Master of Natural Resources (XMNR) is a hybrid program, which means that it’s a mix of in-person/virtual meetings, and online individual and small-group work. Students gather on campus in the Washington, D.C. metro area five times a year for three-day immersive study weekends, convene six times virtually for two-day meetings, and participate in a 10-day Global Study trip. XMNR virtual meetings are synchronous, where all students are present at the same time.
OMNR students have the option of participating in a 10-day Global Study experience by choosing the Study Abroad elective. In addition to standard tuition and fees, students will pay for round-trip international airfare and a program fee that covers lodging, some meals, in-country transportation, and related expenses. Please reach out to Online Program Coordinators Amanda Tai or Glen van der Molen for details.
Every student in the XMNR program participates in a 10-day Global Study experience—a required part of our degree—to engage with real-world global environmental sustainability challenges. XMNR tuition includes all costs associated with a Global Study, except international airfare. If traveling for Global Study is not possible, there are alternatives for fulfilling this requirement. XMNR tuition includes all costs associated with a Global Study, except international airfare.
- All tuition and fee rates for all Virginia Tech programs are listed by VT’s Office of the Bursar.
- Students may qualify for financial aid, usually in the form of student loans.
- We don’t have a state residency requirement. All students, U.S.-based or international, pay the same regardless of where they live.
- Veteran and military benefits may cover tuition and fees, housing allowance, and more.
- VT employees can have nearly 100% of the cost covered.
Please visit individual program sections for more information:
Master of Natural Resources / Tuition
Executive Master of Natural Resources / Tuition
Absolutely. Virginia Tech is proud of its long military history and has a strong commitment to supporting the success of our military-connected students, whether active duty, veterans, or dependents.
Please visit the Military & Veterans page for details.
Yes, indeed. The majority of our students are working full-time. Both Master of Natural Resources degree programs at Virginia Tech are designed for working professionals and adult learners—people with jobs, families, and other commitments that might take priority over school.
OMNR students often credit asynchronous course delivery as one of the main reasons for choosing this program.
The XMNR program is designed to fit into your schedule using a hybrid cohort model, blending in-person weekends with online instruction.
You’ll be surprised by the variety of organizations and functions where your MNR degree will be a boost to your career. For more information, please visit our Career Coaching and Pathways page.
Students and alums have access to extensive resources to support career and professional development in natural resource management, environmental conservation, and sustainable development:
- Resources and services provided by Suzanne Shelburne (our lead career advisor) and Virginia Tech's Career and Professional Development
- Natural resource management, environmental conservation, and sustainable development career information, networks, job boards and job search tips
- CLiGS spotlight series on career guidance for natural resource management, environmental conservation, and sustainable development professionals
Use your VT login to access. If you don’t have your login, please let us know.
A Graduate Certificate is a specialized, short-form non-degree program that allows you to enhance your credentials and be recognized as a leader in this field. We offer three certificates: a Graduate Certificate in Natural Resources (GCNR), a Graduate Certificate in Global Sustainability (GCGS) and a Watershed Management Certificate (WSMC).