About the Online MNR Program and Courses

Program Format

The Online MNR is a 30-credit, virtual, and flexible degree program that prepares students for careers in natural resource management, conservation, and environmental sustainability. The program combines online coursework and participation in a 10-day, face-to-face Global Study that takes the place of the typical professional graduate degree capstone project. Students take 5 required core courses plus 5 electives, chosen with the guidance from their Graduate Advisor.

Plan of Study

The Plan of Study consists of both required core courses and electives. We offer courses on a wide range of topics. Students can choose to design a Plan of Study focused on their specific field of interest from the full list of elective courses or by opting for the pre-selected list in a particular area.

Core Courses

The core courses include: Constructing Sustainability, Global Issues in Environmental Sustainability, Leadership Communication for Sustainability Professionals, Strategies for Sustainability, and Sustainability Systems. 

Focus Areas

Build the theoretical foundations, conservation strategies, and environmental policy knowledge sought by resource management, conservation, and sustainable development organizations, agencies, and community groups to conserve biodiversity at ecosystem scales.

Learn how to examine the interface of the engineered, natural, and social environments. Employ case studies to dive into the challenges associated with rapid urbanization occurring around the globe, and the strategies used to create healthy human ecosystems and livable communities in which to live, work, and play. 

Develop the competencies necessary to help communities and organizations address the challenges of climate change. Explore mitigation strategies and adaptation planning; international, global, and local policy and institutions; and the unique role that cities play in creating a more sustainable and resilient future.

Environmental professionals are most effective at addressing complex environmental problems when they understand not only what needs to be done, but how to proceed. This requires an awareness of the processes by which environmental laws, regulations, and policies are designed, implemented, permitted, and enforced at various levels of government.

Gain a broad understanding of how corporations and the private sector are contributing to a more sustainable future: explore sustainability theory and best practices; how businesses are managing supply chains to improve efficiency and reduce risk; sustainability accounting and reporting practices; and how businesses are helping design, build, and transition to a circular economy.

Learn the basic issues surrounding water management including hydrology and infrastructure, regulatory and legislative issues, and funding and financing challenges and explore innovative partnerships designed to address these issues. Cases are used to investigate examples of water management and conflict around the world.