Master of Science
The dynamic and rapidly changing environmental and natural resource fields demand professionals to have an integrated understanding across a broad array of disciplines, with one or more areas of significant specialization. Graduates of the MS degree in Environment, Natural Resources & Society will be prepared to become collaborative, interdisciplinary leaders in environmental and natural resource fields such as natural resource management, planning, and administration across sectors including nonprofit, for profit, government, and academic. ENRS graduates will:
1. Apply systems thinking, critical analysis, and research methods to systematically investigate environmental and natural resource issues.
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Analyze interconnections between ecological, sociocultural, economic, political, and legal systems to support evidence-based decision-making.
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Deconstruct complex environmental issues by critically analyzing multiple perspectives and underlying assumptions.
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Design and conduct structured inquiries using appropriate research methodologies and analytical tools.
2. Synthesize interdisciplinary knowledge to evaluate and design solutions for environmental and natural resource challenges.
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Employ technical and analytical skills (such as policy analysis or impact assessment) to inform decision-making and improve outcomes.
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Integrate insights from multiple disciplines to design context-specific, actionable solutions.
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Formulate and test solutions using critical and creative problem-solving approaches.
3. Communicate complex environmental issues effectively across diverse audiences and platforms.
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Develop and deliver clear, persuasive, and audience-appropriate written, oral, and digital communications.
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Engage in public outreach and stakeholder dialogue to translate scientific and policy information for decision-making.
4. Demonstrate effective collaboration in team-based and stakeholder engagement contexts.
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Utilize strategies for interdisciplinary teamwork, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement in professional and community settings.
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Facilitate or contribute meaningfully to collaborative problem-solving processes involving diverse perspectives.
5. Develop a flexible, adaptable, and transferable professional skill set.
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Cultivate practical, applied leadership skills that can be adapted across different environmental and natural resource careers.
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Engage in experiential learning, internships, or project-based work to apply knowledge in professional contexts
COURSES YOU'LL TAKE:
Core
Plan A - 15 Credit Hours; Plan B – 13 Credit Hours
ENR 5001 Orientation to ENR&S, ENR 5100 Foundations of ENR&S, ENR 5900 ENR Policy in Practice, ENR 5921 Collaborative Practicum (3cr), ENR 5960 Thesis Plan A (4 credits) or Plan B (2 credits).
enrs electives
15-17 Credit Hours
Choose electives that inform your Plan A or Plan B thesis. Elective courses must be approved by student’s major advisor and graduate committee in the submitted program of study.
Careers:
Our economy and our world are changing rapidly. Many of the jobs, career paths, and professional opportunities you could take after you graduate might not even exist yet! The Haub School will prepare you to be a nimble, creative, and critical thinker, building the skills, knowledge, and tools you can apply to wherever you want to forge a path in the future.
Environment, Natural Resources & Society
Career opportunities exist in in private companies like environmental consulting, reclamation/restoration, and regulatory compliance firms, in non-profit organizations that specialize in science communication, outreach, or environmental education, with local, state, or federal agencies in conservation, recreation and open space planning, natural resource management, or land-use planning.
Careers in Environment and Natural Resources:
- Manage lands, wildlife, water, and energy resources for federal or state natural resource agencies.
- Develop environmental and natural resource policies at local, state, and national levels.
- Communicate scientific research to policymakers and the public.
Jobs*:
Natural Resources Policy Consultant, Park Ranger, Urban and Regional Planner, Research Scientist, Stewardship Coordinator, Natural Resource Specialist, Range Technician, Field Geologist, Outreach Coordinator, Senior Mediator, Environmental Educator, Field Supervisor
Employers*:
National Geographic, Bureau of Land Management, Teton Science Schools, Wyoming Conservation
Corps, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, International Wolf Center, The Wilderness Society,
Meridian Institute
*real job titles and employers of Haub School alumni
The University of Wyoming has earned its Research Level 1 (R1) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing Wyoming's only four-year university with the top research universities in the United States.