Graduate Programs of Study
Students can earn a MS or PhD by majoring in Natural Resources. MS students can pursue either a thesis or non-thesis course of study at the discretion of each program option. All Natural Resources majors select among the following options:
Students may earn a MS in Water, Society, and Policy, a non-thesis program jointly administered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Students may earn a PhD in Arid Lands Resource Sciences, a Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in cooperation with the Graduate College.
Postbaccalaureate students may earn a certificate in Geographic Information Science
The coursework and practicum-based certificate can stand on its own for students wanting to earn credentials in this rapidly growing field, or can be earned in conjunction with a MS or PhD degree.
Ecology and Management of Rangelands
The study of the Ecology and Management of Rangelands includes all the biological and physical processes of ecosystems - knowledge needed for sustainable use of rangelands as well as management of the diverse and complex systems that they support. Range managers develop a scientific foundation and a broad base of skills so that they can manage rangelands to meet conservation goals, maximize long-term productivity, and enhance the interaction between people and the land. Our work includes: soil, plant and animal inventories and monitoring, development of resource management plans, educating the public, and restoration of degraded rangeland.
Entrance and Degree Requirements
Ecology and Management of Rangelands Faculty
Dr. Mitch McClaran (Program Chair)
Watershed Management and Ecohydrology
Water is the critical limiting factor for resource management in dry land environments. The Watershed Management & Ecohydrology Program within the School of Natural Resources and the Environment at The University of Arizona brings a quantitative, multi-disciplinary approach to study and research on the role of water in management of natural resources. We study the interactions between hydrologic processes, management activities, and land surface conditions. Our program emphasizes hydrologic characteristics of watersheds and ecosystems in the arid and semiarid Southern region.
Watershed Management and Ecohydrology Faculty
Dr. Rachel Gallery
Dr. Gregg Garfin
Dr. Russ Monson
Dr. David Moore
Dr. Shirley Papuga (Program Chair)
Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation and Management
Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation and Management is the study of wild animals, fish, and other organisms. It involves the study of their biology and the interrelationships with each other, with humans, and with the physical and biological environments that make up their habitats. Wildlife and fisheries biologists try to understand the interactions of wild animals and their habitats to maintain healthy populations. Managers and biologists are concerned with maintaining species diversity, improving conditions for declining and endangered species, managing populations that are hunted or fished or provide other recreational opportunities, and coordinating other resource management activities to maintain environmental quality. Some professionals may be active in surveys of plants and animals, operation and management of refuges and hatcheries, monitoring and testing for pollution, design and conduct of research, habitat improvement, pest management, environmental education, or computer modeling. Nearly every position requires time for planning, data analysis, report preparation and oral presentations.
Wildlife & Fisheries Faculty
Dr. David Christianson
Dr. Bill Mannan (Program Chair)
The Natural Resources Studies degree program provides an interdisciplinary graduate education for individuals wishing to contribute to natural resource policy and management decisions made in an environment increasingly influenced not only by technical elements, but by economic, legal, political and social factors as well. This major is appropriate for students continuing on from undergraduate work in natural resource management and for mid-career professionals interested in broadening their expertise in natural resource policy, administration, planning, management and ecology.
Entrance and degree requirements
All faculty in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment may advise students in Natural Resources Studies. Dr. Mitch McClaran is the Program Chair.
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Other questions may be directed towards the Graduate Coordinator,
Katie Hughes
School of Natural Resources and the Environment
The University of Arizona
Biosciences East, 323
Tucson, AZ 85721
ph: 520-621-7260
fax: 520-621-8801
khughes@email.arizona.edu
