Earn an unparalleled environmental sciences degree from a top-tier research institution.
Credential Type
Master's Degree
Cost (2024)
$24,160
Delivery Format
Online
Program Length
32 Credit Hours
Enrollment
Fall or Spring
Eligibility Criteria
Bachelor's degree required
Benefit 1
Acquire skills to analyze and interpret relevant scientific information.
Benefit 2
Build your understanding of current scholarly research in natural resources and environmental sciences.
Benefit 3
Apply the scientific process and develop proficiency in communicating science.
Overview
The NRES, M.S. (non-thesis) degree is for environmental professionals, conservationists, and resource managers.
It allows you to explore in-depth courses on natural resources and environmental sciences, enhancing your expertise and practical skills through online learning.
Earning an advanced degree doesn’t have to disrupt your daily schedule. Our program was specifically designed with busy calendars and careers in mind. Our classes are entirely online and meet in the evening. You select courses that align with your professional goals and choose whether to pursue the degree full- or part-time.
Skills You Will Learn
Upon completing this degree, you will:
- Understand and apply principles of ecology to manage natural resources sustainably.
- Analyze and interpret environmental policies to assess their impacts and inform policy development.
- Employ contemporary conservation practices to preserve biodiversity and promote the sustainable use of ecosystems.
- Utilize GIS and remote sensing technologies to analyze environmental data and inform management decisions.
- Develop and implement robust research designs suitable for addressing complex environmental issues.
- Master techniques for collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative environmental data.
- Formulate and evaluate strategies to enhance sustainability in various environmental contexts.
- Learn methods to effectively engage with stakeholders in environmental decision-making, including communities, governments, and organizations.
- Conduct environmental risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential impacts of projects and policies.
- Enhance skills in effectively communicating scientific and policy-related information to diverse audiences, including policymakers, the public, and the scientific community.
Course Details
Earning the M.S. in NRES requires completing at least 32 credit hours at the graduate level (400-level and above). Those 32 hours must include:
- NRES 594 Professional Orientation (1 hour).
- Approximately 15-18 hours of core courses taken in preparation for the final written examination (two courses in Core 1; one course in each of the others). Core courses are available at both the 400- and 500-level.
- The capstone project will account for 4 hours of 500-level credit (2 hours each of the last two semesters in the program).
- At least 12 of the 32 hours must be 500-level (NRES 594 and capstone credit fulfill five required 12 hours).
How to Enroll
Applying for this Degree
To apply for a graduate degree program, you'll need to start an online application through the University of Illinois Graduate College. The following application deadlines apply June 15 (Fall admission), November 15 (Spring admission), and March 15 (Summer term).
To ensure a smooth application process, please review the following list of required and optional components that you will need to prepare for your submission:
- Bachelor’s degree: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (A=4.0), or comparable GPA for an international applicant, for the last two years of undergraduate study is a minimum requirement for admission.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Not required.
- English proficiency scores (international students only): If you are a non-native English speaker, you must upload your TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to your application. Review the Graduate College’s English proficiency requirements for more details on possible exemptions.
- Professional resume: This should include personal information (name, address, telephone number, and email address), academic background, work experience (start and end dates for each position and a brief description of responsibilities), educational training, professional associations, and leadership experiences.
- Academic Statement and two Personal Statement Short Answer Essays.
- Three letters of recommendation.
Explore ACES Online
Our online education is flexible and accessible, enabling learners to advance their careers, develop new skills, and connect with peers.