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 7024Foundations of Environmental Education 3
F_W 7220Human Dimensions of Fish and Wildlife Conservation3
PRST 8430Social and Behavioral Research Methods 3
2. Quantitative and/or Qualitative Data Analysis (one course from the following)
NAT_R 8024Program Development and Evaluation in Informal Settings3
ENV_SC 7560Observing the Earth from Space3
NAT_R 8500Qualitative Analysis for Environment-Society Inquiry3
3. Social Science Theory (one course from the following)
PRST 7250Parks, Health and Wellness3
NAT_R 7353Natural Resource Policy/Administration3
PRST 7340Recreation Land Management3
PRST 8400Constructs of Leisure3
PRST 8436Visitor Behavior and Policy3
F_W 8510Ecology, Conservation, and Environmental Justice2

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

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