MSc in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences

The Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES) online M.S. program provides students around the world the opportunity to study with outstanding scientists in fields related to natural resource management and environmental sciences.

The degree can be completed online with no required trip to the Urbana-Champaign campus.

We know what we’re doing when it comes to providing high-quality online education. While we were approved to deliver the program "online" beginning in 2008, NRES has offered an off-campus M.S. program since 1999. Our real-time course delivery method means that students get the best of both worlds: You can enroll in a program that is geographically distant from your home, yet still attend class with other people, engaging with the faculty member and other students in class discussions, assignments, and projects.

As a student, you will benefit from a rigorous, yet flexible program you can tailor to fit your needs and interests. Some of our elective courses are even offered in a blended format, with class meetings online mixed with field trips or laboratory experiences. These give students who are able to travel a few times during the semester the opportunity to interact with the faculty and other students in-person and to gain hands-on experience.

If you are looking for a career change and are concerned you don’t have the background experience to dive into our MS program, don’t worry. We are happy to work with prospective students and can help you find the courses you need in order to be successful in the program

You can also try the program out before making the commitment of applying for admission. You can take up to 12 hours as non-degree seeking students to see if the program is going to meet their needs or to build a strong academic record that will increase their likelihood of being admitted.

Why NRES?

We research and work in locations locally, across the US, and around the world.

Research

The world-class faculty in NRES meet the needs of students and stakeholders working in a range of areas.

Prospective graduate students are strongly encouraged to contact potential advisors in advance of applying to determine if the faculty are willing to serve as their adviser and have resources available for more graduate students in their programs. An applicant will only be admitted if a faculty member has agreed to advise him/her. Click on an area of expertise and explore the research web pages of the faculty in that list. The best way to contact them is by email. Please keep in mind that only people with "Professor" in their title can advise graduate students.

Dynamic Graduate Program

In NRES, graduate students develop both depth and breadth in their expertise. They work with expert faculty and researchers who train them in the specialized knowledge and skills needed for their research areas, while also participating in NRES seminar and activities that help them see their work within the bigger picture and learn to communicate their expertise to others effectively.

Because of its interdisciplinary nature, NRES research and educational programs are tailored to suit your interests, and each student, with their advisor, develops their own plan of study. Our faculty and graduate students are active in interdisciplinary programs and activities on a variety of subjects.

Career Resources

As a graduate student at the University of Illinois, you have a lot of career resources available to you. There is a Career Services office dedicated specifically to graduate students, and there are many specialized career offices around campus. Be sure to explore the links below to find those that will be most useful to you, with your unique interests and qualifications.