Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management 4+1 Fast Track Program
The Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management Fast Track Program allows high-achieving undergraduate students to pursue a 36-hour Master of Natural Resources following their junior year.
The program promotes critical problem solving skills necessary in natural resource conservation along with developing a strong foundational understanding of the interrelationships between ecology, management, policy and human dimensions.
Program Details
The 4+1 program pairs with any of our undergraduate degree tracks. To fit their career goals, students can tailor their degree plan to emphasize either policy or applied research and management through this non-thesis program. Specific workforce leadership and technical skills are an essential part of the program, with additional certifications offered.
How it Works
During their junior year, students are invited to apply to the 4+1 program. Selected applicants will begin their senior year taking “stacked” courses (graduate version of an undergraduate course) and participate in key leadership activities and technical training to support their graduate project. Graduate capstone projects will be developed in coordination with project sponsors. During their year of graduate school, students will complete their capstone project and remaining program requirements.
Undergraduate students are allowed to take up to 9 hours (up to 6 hours per semester) of graduate coursework and will receive the equivalent credit for the undergraduate course (either the stacked class equivalent or credit by exam) if they receive a B or better in the course. This will allow the graduate course to count both toward undergraduate graduation requirements and to be reserved for graduate credit. The remaining 27 credits can be finished as soon as one year after entering graduate school.
Admission and Requirements
Students interested in Fast Track program apply during the final semester of their Junior year.
Applicants must be an RWFM junior with a minimum cumulative GPR of 3.3, complete the graduate school application and obtain approval from a faculty committee. Selection is based on qualifications, alignment with program goals and references.
How to Apply
Interested students must make an appointment to speak with Michael Werner during the student’s Sophomore year via Navigate to discuss options and the requirements listed above. Following this, students must complete an application for the Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management Fast Track Program.
Applications will be reviewed by a departmental committee, and select students will be contacted for an interview. Following acceptance to the program, academic advisors and the RWFM academic program office will guide students through semester course registration.