• Bachelor's degree in any social or natural science field
• Degree should include basic courses in biology, ecology and economics
• A minimum 3.0 GPA
• Recommended background includes two years of natural resources-related work experience

When to apply

This program allows students to start during the fall, winter or spring terms.

You should have a complete application, including all supporting materials, submitted on or before the application deadline for the term in which you intend to start.

International students should complete their application at least two months before the normal deadline and get in touch with the program coordinator early. Acceptance will be communicated one to two weeks after the deadline.

Application deadlines

• Fall term — June 15
• Winter term — Sept. 15
• Spring term — Dec. 15

How to apply as a degree-seeking student

Choose an advisor

Faculty advisors help guide you through the program and offer mentoring as you work toward your degree. Before submitting your application, you will be required to find a faculty member who has agreed to be your advisor. Please follow the steps outlined in our guide for choosing an advisor to identify a faculty member whose area of expertise aligns with your academic interests and request that they serve as your MNR program advisor. Once you find an advisor, email the program coordinator to let them know.

Apply to the OSU Graduate School

1. Apply as a degree-seeking student through the OSU Graduate School’s online application form. The nonrefundable application fee is $75.

2. Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

NOTE: Although the Graduate School application is submitted online — and all of the documentation (scores, transcripts, etc.) can be uploaded as attachments — you may mail your accompanying materials to the Graduate School at Heckart Lodge, 2900 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR, 97331.

You DO NOT have to mail AND submit your documents electronically.

3. Submit a cover letter. Request admission to the program with a statement of objectives, a description of your professional and educational experience, why you seek admission into the MNR program and a description of your idea for a capstone project.

4. Submit three professional references. Provide the names and email addresses of three individuals who will supply letters of professional reference on your behalf. These individuals will be contacted directly by the OSU Graduate School and asked to independently upload their letters.

NOTE: International applicants must also submit documents and language test scores that are outlined on the graduate admissions international applicants webpage.

How to apply as an admitted graduate certificate student

As a current student in good standing in one of these graduate certificate programs, you can apply your earned credits toward the area of emphasis requirement for MNR:

• Fisheries management
• Forests and climate change
• Geographic information science
• Sustainable natural resources
• Urban forestry
• Water conflict management and transformation
• Wildlife management

To apply for a change of degree at no cost, you must:

• Confirm that a faculty advisor has agreed to work with you
• Hold a 3.0 GPA in your current graduate certificate program, having completed at least one term of certificate coursework
• Fill out the OSU Graduate School’s “change of degree” form. To start this process, please get in touch with the MNR program coordinator.

Please note: It’s important that you apply to change your degree program to MNR while you’re still an admitted graduate certificate student, and have not finished your certificate coursework. You also must not take any MNR core classes until your change of degree is approved.

How to apply as a nondegree-seeking student

You may apply to Oregon State as a nondegree-seeking graduate student. Nondegree-seeking students who may later wish to apply to the MNR program or a different graduate degree program should be aware that up to 22 graduate credits may be transferred toward a 45-credit master's degree.

Because of the way certificate classes are considered transfer at OSU, if you plan to complete a certificate as part of your MNR degree you cannot have any other transfer credits. The 22 transfer credits are only available for MNR students not completing a certificate.