The Field of Natural Resources offers two research degrees--the Masters of Science (MS) and Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD). We also offer one professional degree--the Masters of Professional Studies (MPS). Students in all three degree programs 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. A Master of Professional Studies (MPS) is designed for individuals who have already embarked on a professional career and desire to upgrade their skills and knowledge. The focus of the MPS is on course work rather than research, although an independent project is required. MPS students must complete 30 semester hours of course work. Most students complete the MPS degree in one year.
In general, students are given flexibility in designing a graduate program that suits their needs, and are expected to take responsibility in conducting research and making the most of the wide range of resources offered at Cornell University.
- 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?
- 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?
- MPS students must complete a minimum of 30 hours of coursework, at the 400 level or above. Six of the 30 credits can be devoted to the student's MPS project. Specific courses are decided on by the student's graduate committee, based on the student's interests and previous coursework. Students in the Masters of Environmental Management MPS program may have additional course requirements.
For a detailed description of the degree requirements, click here.
- Where are some recent MPS graduates working?
- Stewardship Director, Adirondack Nature Conservancy
- Director, New Forest Project, International Center for Development Policy
- Environmental Engineer, National Institute of Ecology, Moldova
- Independent maple producer, NYS
- What do current graduate students say about the program? What's the sense of community like for graduate students?
- I would say that the MPS program offers flexibility and at the same time faculty are very willing to discuss research options if and when questions arise. I feel that there is a strong sense of community among the new graduate students, which may be generated by our (Introduction to Graduate Studies) class and the sharing of ideas there. I also feel a sense of support from my fellow grad students. (MPS 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