MS in Natural Resources with Emphasis in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources
The Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Emphasis Area (HDNR) addresses research and management questions including peoples' attitudes, knowledge, values, perceptions, and behaviors associated with natural resources. As an interdisciplinary emphasis area, HDNR considers applicants with backgrounds in social sciences, environmental education, natural resources management and conservation, or related disciplines. The MS is a research-based degree. The student is expected to work closely with a faculty advisor to develop a research topic and a program of study. Students who complete a thesis are expected to publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals. A non-thesis option is also available that requires additional coursework and a research project.
Degree Requirements
All students in the HDNR Emphasis Area are required to participate in the HDNR seminar course, and to take at least one course from each of three core areas: human dimensions methods, quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis, and social science theory. Courses not on the list for a core area may be taken to meet this requirement with permission of the student's graduate committee. A minimum of 9 credit hours (not including Problems, Readings & Research Hours) must be taken from the following course designators: ENV_SC, FOREST, F_W, NAT_R, PRST.
| 1. Human Dimensions Methods (one course from the following) | ||
| NAT_R 7024 | Foundations of Environmental Education | 3 |
| F_W 7220 | Human Dimensions of Fish and Wildlife Conservation | 3 |
| PRST 8430 | Social and Behavioral Research Methods | 3 |
| 2. Quantitative and/or Qualitative Data Analysis (one course from the following) | ||
| NAT_R 8024 | Program Development and Evaluation in Informal Settings | 3 |
| ENV_SC 7560 | Observing the Earth from Space | 3 |
| NAT_R 8500 | Qualitative Analysis for Environment-Society Inquiry | 3 |
| 3. Social Science Theory (one course from the following) | ||
| PRST 7250 | Parks, Health and Wellness | 3 |
| NAT_R 7353 | Natural Resource Policy/Administration | 3 |
| PRST 7340 | Recreation Land Management | 3 |
| PRST 8400 | Constructs of Leisure | 3 |
| PRST 8436 | Visitor Behavior and Policy | 3 |
| F_W 8510 | Ecology, Conservation, and Environmental Justice | 2 |
Each student's coursework requirements, including the selection of specific courses in the above categories, will be listed in the student's plan of study and approved by their graduate committee.
Thesis/Non-Thesis Requirements
Thesis Option
Students in the thesis option will complete 30 credit hours of coursework with no more than 12 credits for thesis research. Students choosing the thesis option will prepare a written research proposal and make an oral defense of that proposal within 12 months of their initial enrollment in the program. Students in the thesis option will write a thesis based on their research, present a public seminar announced at least two weeks prior to their defense date, and participate in an oral defense of their thesis
Non-Thesis Option
Students in the non-thesis option will complete 36 credit hours of coursework with no more than 12 credits for project research. Students choosing the non-thesis option will be required to write a project plan and to make an oral defense of that plan within the first year following their initial enrollment in the program. Students choosing the non-thesis option will write a technical report based on their project, present a public seminar announced at least two weeks prior to the defense of their report, and participate in an oral defense of their report.
Application and Admission Information
Dr. Shuangyu Xu
302 Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building
Columbia, MO 65211
sxu@missouri.edu; (573) 884-8014