Track 1: Ecology and Environmental Sustainability

• Department: Biological Sciences, College of Arts & Sciences
• Ideal for: Recent graduates, and professionals seeking roles in business, NGOs, local governments, and environmental consulting. This track focuses on sustainable solutions and business ESGs.

Track 2: Natural Resources Management

• Department:Natural Resources Management, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
• Ideal for:Agency biologists, environmental consultants, and those aiming for roles in NGOs focused on conservation and natural resources. This track focuses on training students to find solutions and address environmental problems through the conservation and management of our natural environment.

• Core Courses:
  5 essential graduate courses from both Biological Sciences and Natural Resources Management.
• Electives:
  Choose 5 approved graduate courses from across the university.
• Professional Business Skills:
  Develop written and oral communication and business skills through a tuition-free, self-paced online curriculum or by earning the Graduate Certificate in Essentials of Business from the Rawls College of Business.
• Internships:
  Gain hands-on experience through internships in business, government, or non-profits, culminating in a final project documenting your growth in the profession.
• Portfolio:
  Prepare and defend a comprehensive student portfolio demonstrating your career development through your PSM experiences.

Required Courses (15-19 HOURS):
(For both Track 1 & 2 students)

1. BIOL 5000 OR NRM 5000 Professional Internship 
   Complete an internship at the end of your coursework, ending with a final report and portfolio. 
2. Biol 6360 Environmental Sustainability
   Explore how human activities interact with ecosystems and ways to balance environmental quality, economic growth, and cultural development.
3. AAEC 5314 Environmental Economics
   Economic techniques for analyzing natural resources and environmental policies.
4. NRM 5312 Ecology of Renewable Natural Resources
   Introduction to the ecology of renewable resources like vegetation, wildlife, soil, and water.
   OR
   NRM 5320 Natural Resource Biopolitics
   Understand policy, planning, and conflict resolution in natural resource management. 
5. Biol 5309 Leveling Advanced Ecology
   Study the structure and function of populations, communities, and ecosystems.
   OR
   Biol 6361 Ecology and Ecosystems
   Explore how energy and matter flow through ecosystems, focusing on ecological principles. through organisms and their communities.
    

Approved Electives (15 HOURS)

Select 5 elective courses with your advisor from a wide range of university-wide graduate-level options related to environmental sustainability and natural resource science. Choose electives that align with your career goals.

• Requirement:
  3 credits (equivalent to 240 hours which is 3 months working approximately 20 hours per week).
• Timing:
  Typically completed after 75% of the program but explore opportunities early.
• Process:
  With guidance from your PSM faculty advisor, find and negotiate your internship that helps you achieve your career goals. Submit a proposal developed with your internship supervisor for approval.
• Evaluation:
  Internship supervisor evaluations, submission of a final written report detailing your duties, project results, and professional growth. An oral presentation may also be required by your supervisor.

The internship culminates in a final report and oral presentation to your graduate committee, helping you develop professional and communication skills.