teaching - graduate program

The Field of Natural Resources offers two research degrees--the Masters of Science (MS) and Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD). Students work closely with the faculty in Natural Resources and other fields. They also interact with scientists, resource managers, and educators from agencies and organizations including the US Fish & Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and The Nature Conservancy.

All MS and PhD students conduct original research under the guidance of a faculty member in the Graduate Field of Natural Resources. This research forms the basis for the MS thesis or PhD dissertation, which are required to complete the degree. Graduate students also develop a program of formal course work in conjunction with their special committee (see below). There are no specific course or credit requirements for students in the Natural Resources (although most graduate students take classes as suggested by their supervisory committees); however, every MS student must be in residence at Cornell for at least two semesters, and every PhD student must complete a minimum of six semesters of residency (four if the student has completed the MS). Most MS students complete their degree in two years, whereas PhD students generally take four-five years. Nearly all students entering without a master's degree complete an MS prior to embarking on the PhD. Students entering with a bachelor's degree who know they want to continue for a PhD can apply to the MS/PhD program. This allows them to move from the MS to the PhD with the approval of their graduate committee. Students who have been accepted to the MS program and later decide to switch to the PhD must gain the approval of their graduate committee and of the Natural Resources Graduate Admissions Committee.

Requirements for Acceptance to Graduate Field

Students accepted to the Field of Natural Resources are expected to have a solid background in the biological, chemical, physical, mathematical, and social sciences. A wide range of undergraduate majors are acceptable; current students in the field have undergraduate majors in biology, chemistry, history and humanities, environmental studies, math, and psychology, among others. Some students may be asked to take undergraduate courses in subjects for which they lack sufficient background.

Applications for admission are evaluated on a combination of factors including past course work and grades; Graduate Record Examination scores (minimum combined verbal and quantitative score of 1200 expected, scores on analytic and biology tests also reviewed); statement of purpose; and letters of recommendation. One or more years of work or other experience is a requirement for students in the Natural Resource Policy and Management concentration (see discussion of concentrations below), and is generally considered favorably in other concentrations. Because each student is accepted to work with a particular faculty member, the interests of the applicant should match those of one or more faculty members in the Field of Natural Resources.

For detailed instructions on the application process, click here.

What are the opportunities for financial support?

Most MS and PhD students receive financial support in the form of research and teaching assistantships or fellowships. These may be arranged by the faculty chair of the student's special committee or by the students themselves. Prospective students should investigate fellowship opportunities provided by the National Science Foundation, Environmental Protection Agency, and other government agencies, private corporations, and non-profit foundations. Once at Cornell, students often generate additional support for their research through developing grant proposals in conjunction with their faculty advisor. MPS students generally do not receive financial support. Students should contact the Graduate School regarding the availability of loans or fellowships.

What are the degree requirements?

PhD students are required to have at least six semester residence units. They are also required to take two exams: Admission to Candidacy exam (“A exam”) sometime between the third and seventh semester, and a B exam at least two semesters after passing A exam. PhD students complete a research dissertation and also are required to give a public presentation near the time of their B exam. A minimum of three committee members is required, including the committee chair from the Field of Natural Resources and two members from other fields.

Requirements for the MS degree include two semester residence units, a research thesis, a final exam (defense), and a public presentation. There are no required courses or number of credits for this degree. MS students should have at least two people on their special committee, including the committee chair from the Field of Natural Resources, and one member from another graduate field.

For a detailed description of the degree requirements, click here.

Where are some recent graduates working?

MS Graduates

  • Consultant, Colorado Department of Fish & Wildlife
  • Project Leader, Center for Biodiversity & Indigenous Knowledge, China
  • Environmental Education Professor, Mexico
  • Wildlife Ecology Professor, Mongolia
  • Consultant, Amy Greene Associates, New Jersey
  • Science Educator, Pacific Science Center
  • Senior Researcher, Water Department, Rocky Mountain Institute
  • Team Building Director, Outdoor Education, Cornell University
  • Fisheries Biologist, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Wildlife Biologist, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Maryland
  • Planner, Alaska Department of Fish and Wildlife
  • Environmental Scientist, Northern Ecological Associates, Inc, Pennsylvania
  • Data Analyst, Stroud Water Research Center, Pennsylvania

PhD Graduates

  • Assistant Professor of Biology, Syracuse University
  • Assistant Professor of Wildlife Management, Michigan State University
  • Extension Assistant Professor, University of Vermont
  • Policy & Development Coordinator, American Fisheries Society
  • Fishery Biologist, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, South Dakota
  • Research Associate, Research & Development Center, Cypress
  • Project Analyst, World Bank
  • Research Associate, Oregon State University
  • Geographic Information Systems Scientist, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology
  • Lecturer in Environmental Ethics, Cornell University
  • Assistant Professor of Wildlife Biology, Virginia Polytechnic and State University
  • Assistant Professor of Ecology, Michigan Technology University
  • Organizational Consultant and University Lecturer, Alabama
  • Ecologist, The Nature Conservancy, Portland, Oregon
  • Hydrologist, US Geological Survey, Water Resources Division, Sacramento, CA
  • Aquatic Ecology Program Leader, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Michigan State University Extension

What do current graduate students say about the program? What's the sense of community like for graduate students?

  • I joined the Natural Resources program in large part because of its flexibility and breadth of research interests. While my primary focus is ecological, I appreciate the perspective I gain by interacting with graduate students and faculty from diverse science and policy backgrounds. I have the opportunity here to develop a highly individualized program that meets my own research interests, and fellow graduate students create a supportive, energetic, intellectual, and fun atmosphere that makes this process especially rewarding. (PhD Student)

  • It's not easy but it is possible to balance graduate work and other interests. In fact, many people in our department participate in a variety of activities, including outdoor sports (biking, hiking, paddling, ultimate frisbee, etc., etc.) and hobbies (dancing, playing sax, guitar, etc., ceramics, horse-riding, and many other amazing talents), and we have a fairly social department with periodic BBQ's, parties, and other events. Some students have families and are also able to balance those responsibilities with graduate study. (PhD Student)

  • There is no shortage of social activities here and we have an amazing group of graduate students in DNR. It's a very fun place to be. (PhD Student)

  • Fellow DNR students have been invaluable friends, colleagues, and critics. Within the department I found a very open, non-competitive environment, where graduate students make time to assist each other with proposals, publications, field and lab methods, and brainstorming. …Interacting with the other graduate students in this department has been as large a part of the learning experience at Cornell as any other element of my graduate studies. DNR graduate students bring an extremely diverse set of skills and experiences with them to Cornell that is a valuable resource to tap. And of course, graduate students in this department are well-known for creating a fun social environment that is unrivalled on campus. (MS Student)

  • As a new MS student, I feel that DNR is an ideal environment for growth and learning. The variety of experiences that students bring to bear is amazing; I believe what I have already learnt from my fellow classmates to be of equal value to the (considerable) readings I have done so far. Students as well as professors are an invaluable help in sounding out ideas and getting feedback, and their willingness to share their time this way is something to be greatly appreciated. I feel that students are generally very supportive of each other, and there is definitely a sense of belonging and community- as can be seen by the regular social get-togethers that we enjoy. (MS Student)

  • As an MS student we have the flexibility to tailor make courses to meet our specific interests. This is useful as we develop our research ideas. Research is a big chunk of MS work and we have plenty of time to produce a high quality research product.…Part of my being at Cornell is also to make contacts and build relationships with my fellow grad students and faculty. The family atmosphere in Fernow Hall and the existence of Graduate Student Association has been great at providing opportunities for building personal relationships as well as professional development. (MS Student)

To what extent does admission to the program depend on establishing a relationship with one faculty member (my future committee chair)?

This is essential for admission to Cornell's Field of Natural Resources. For more information, click here.

What's the local community like?

Ithaca is a small city (about 50,000 residents, including students) with one major university (Cornell) and one college (Ithaca College). Most students enjoy the surrounding forested and farm landscape and associated recreational opportunities. They also take advantage of the numerous cultural events and enjoy the diverse community. Ithaca is served by one airline (US Airways). Sometimes you can find better connections into Syracuse (about 1 ½ hrs by car from Ithaca), Binghamton (1 hr away), or Elmira (50 minutes away). We are about 250 miles from NYC; the bus to NYC takes about 6 hours (for more information on Ithaca, click here.

Further information

Graduate Field of Natural Resources Fernow Hall Cornell University Ithaca, New York 14853-3001 Phone: (607) 255-2807, Fax: (607) 255-0349 E-mail: nrgrad@cornell.edu World Wide Web: http://www.dnr.cornell.edu/teaching/grad

The Graduate School B30 Caldwell Hall Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853 Phone: (607) 255-5816, Fax: (607) 255-1816 E-mail: gradadmissions@cornell.edu World Wide Web: http://www.gradschool.cornell.edu