Department Requirements. Plan A students work with faculty advisors to develop a focused research thesis that can be completed in about two years. The degree requires a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credit, which includes 21 credits of coursework, including three required courses, (NRE 5200 – Sustainable Natural Resources Management, NRE 5210 – Communications for Environmental Decision Makers, and NRE 5605 – Environmental Data Analysis) and nine credits of thesis research. The remaining 12 credits of coursework are developed through an individualized plan of study in collaboration with the student’s advisor and Advisory Committee, based on the student’s research area and professional development goals.

For UConn requirements to graduate under Master Plan A, visit the Registrar’s Steps to a Successful Graduation Website and the UConn Catalog.  

Department Requirements.   

Students must present a publicly announced Exit Seminar on their thesis research. This seminar is typically scheduled one hour before the Thesis Defense and is considered part of the Final Examination process.   

The contents of the Final Examination are under the jurisdiction of the Advisory Committee. It may be separate or combined with the Thesis Defense. If separate, it would follow the same procedures as for the Ph.D. General Examination.  

The unbound thesis or a digital copy, as preferred by the Advisory Committee members, should be distributed at least two weeks before the oral Final Examination, or Thesis Defense, to all Advisory Committee members. After the student has passed the Final Examination, the Advisory Committee may require modifications to the thesis. The student should allow enough time for the incorporation of changes before presenting it to the Major Advisor for final review. Members of the Advisory Committee can insist on a second review of the thesis and/or Thesis Defense.   

Timeline  

Year 1  

• Start research project  

• Enroll in coursework  

• Choose Advisory Committee members  

Year 2  

• Continue research project  

• Enroll in NRE XXXX  

• Complete coursework  

• Complete thesis related requirements and presentations  

Preparing to Graduate  

• Master’s degrees steps to a successful graduation  

For UConn requirements to graduate under Master Plan B, visit the Registrar’s Steps to a Successful Graduation Website and UConn Catalog.  

The coursework-based (Plan B) MS is designed for students seeking a more structured learning environment through in-person coursework. The degree requires 30-hours of graduate level credits, including three required courses (NRE 5200 – Sustainable Natural Resources Management, NRE 5210 – Communications for Environmental Decision Makers, and NRE 5605 – Environmental Data Analysis). The remaining 21 credits of coursework are developed through an individualized plan of study tailored to the student’s interests and career goals and in collaboration with the student’s advisor and Advisory Committee. The individualized plan of study may include internship, practicum, or research credits. 

UConn Requirements. 

For UConn requirements, visit the Registrar’s Steps to a Successful Graduation Website.  

The contents of the Final Examination are under the jurisdiction of the Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee has the discretion to determine whether the examination shall be written, oral, or both. Invitation to participate in an oral examination is issued by the Advisory Committee, although members of the faculty may attend. Under the Non-Thesis Plan B, the examination shall be comprehensive and designed to assess the candidate’s mastery of the field and ability to integrate the knowledge acquired.  

Department Requirements.   

Students must bring the “Report on the Final Examination for the Master’s Degree.pdf” form to the exam for Advisory Committee signatures.  

Timeline  

Year 1  

• Enroll in coursework  

• Choose Advisory Committee members  

Year 2  

• Complete coursework  

• Successfully complete final examination  

Preparing to Graduate  

• Master’s degrees steps to a successful graduation