Concentrations
Many Rubenstein School graduate students pursue a general Natural Resources degree outside the concentration model. Students can also choose to pursue their degree within one of the concentrations below.
Aquatic Ecology and Watershed Science
The Aquatic Ecology and Watershed Science concentration provides students with advanced understanding of aquatic ecosystems and their watersheds, and the skills and methodologies required to analyze and solve technical problems concerning the effects of human activities on these systems.
Current areas of research emphasis include:
- Watershed processes and management
- Stream and lake ecology
- Fish ecology and fisheries management
- Aquatic ecotoxicology
- Pollutant studies
- Biogeochemical dynamics
- Modeling of aquatic systems, processes and populations
Degree requirements in addition to the general M.S. in Natural Resources requirements:
- At least 11 credits in Aquatic Ecology and Watershed Science, or related fields (approved by the student's studies committee).
- Either the student or the student's committee may request an oral comprehensive exam to address any questions or areas of weakness that arise from the written exam.
Environment, Society and Public Affairs
Through the M.S. concentration in Environment, Society and Public Affairs, graduate students build theoretical understanding, analytical skills, and applied knowledge in the social dimensions of environmental and natural resource issues.
Specific areas in which students may build understanding, skills, and knowledge include:
- Environmental policy and planning
- Community studies, human behavior, and environmental sociology
- Ecological economics
- Park and wilderness management
- Public participation, conflict resolution, and decision making
- Geospatial analysis
Degree requirements in addition to the general M.S. in Natural Resources requirements:
- At least 11 credits in Environment, Society and Public Affairs, or related fields (approved by the student's studies committee).
- Either the student or the student's committee may request an oral comprehensive exam to address any questions or areas of weakness that arise from the written exam.
Environmental Thought and Culture
In this concentration graduate students build interdisciplinary analytical skills and theoretical understanding of environmental and natural resource issues, with a focus on their human, ethical, and cultural dimensions.
Specific research areas include:
- Environmental communication and cultural studies
- Environmental education and interpretation
- Environmental ethics and philosophy
- Environment, development, peace, and global justice studies
- Environmental politics and advocacy
- Religion and environment
- Sustainability and sustainable development
Degree requirements in addition to the general M.S. in Natural Resources requirements:
- At least 11 credits in Environmental Thought and Culture, or related fields (approved by the student's studies committee).
- Either the student or the student's committee may request an oral comprehensive exam to address any questions or areas of weakness that arise from the written exam.
Forestry
The goal of this Master of Science concentration is to provide graduate students with advanced training in forest science and the opportunity to further their knowledge and proficiency in some specialized aspect of forestry.
Current areas of research interest span the broad areas of:
- Ecology
- Management
- Pathology
- Physiological ecology
- Sustainable forestry
- Community forestry
Degree requirements in addition to the general M.S. in Natural Resources requirements:
- At least 11 credits in Forestry, or related fields (approved by the student's studies committee).
- Either the student or the student's committee may request an oral comprehensive exam to address any questions or areas of weakness that arise from the written exam.
Wildlife Biology
This Master of Science concentration is designed to provide a vehicle for a wildlife biologist to develop research abilities and pursue a specialized course of study.
Current areas of research emphasis include:
- Applied avian ecology
- Behavioral ecology
- Game management
- Non-game wildlife populations
- Reserve design
- Landscape ecology
Degree requirements in addition to the general M.S. in Natural Resources requirements:
- At least 11 credits in Wildlife Biology, or related fields (approved by the student's studies committee).
- Either the student or the student's committee may request an oral comprehensive exam to address any questions or areas of weakness that arise from the written exam.
