Frequently Asked Questions

(for prospective students)            (for current students)

Prospective Students

Q       What courses are required for the MS?  The PhD?
A        The program requires a one-credit seminar course in which the student must give one presentation.  Beyond that, the program is highly flexible and customizable.  The courses that each student takes to satisfy his or her degree requirements will depend upon what is being studied and researched.  The student and the student’s advisor and/or committee should decide together upon what courses shall be included in the official degree program. 

Q       I have a BA in dance (or some other field unrelated to natural resources science and management).  Am I eligible for admission to the program?
A        The program does not have any prerequisite degrees or courses, but typically students who are admitted have undergraduate degrees that are related to the field they’d like to study (i.e., forestry, environmental studies, geography, biology, etc.).  Having said this, we have admitted students from other educational backgrounds, particularly if there is relevant experience.  We are not able to recommend any “general” courses that students may take to better their chances of admission, as any course of action would vary greatly depending upon the specific field of study the applicant wishes to embark on. 

Q       How long does my statement of purpose need to be?
A        Some applicants get their point across in a paragraph or two, while others use a page or two.  There is no single best practice.  Good statements of purpose are specific about the applicant’s goals and are able to directly state how the degree objective will help the applicant meet those goals.  If you are interested in a specific faculty member’s research, mention his or her name.  This can be very helpful, but you should be honest, too – please don’t drop names just for the sake of doing so. 

Q       Can I substitute the GMAT or LSAT for the GRE?  Can I waive it altogether?
A        In a word, no.  Applicants should plan on taking the GRE even if they’ve already taken the GMAT or LSAT.  We understand that there are some logistical difficulties associated with taking the GRE in some foreign countries.  If you are interested in applying to our program, please try to plan as far ahead in advance as possible to allow time to study for and sign up to take the GRE.  We do sometimes waive the GRE for applicants who have been out of school for a long period of time and have a significant amount of work experience.  If you are such an applicant, we will consider waiving our GRE requirement upon request.  

Q       Can I submit old GRE scores?
A        We will typically accept scores that are ten years old or newer.  If they are older than that, we sometimes accept them on a case by case basis. 

Q       What are the minimum scores I must receive on the GRE in order to be considered for your program?
A        The program has not set any official GRE requirements.  Because it is a broad, interdisciplinary program, “unofficial” expectations may vary considerably from one track to another.  Plan to give each section of the test equal importance when you are studying for it.

Q       I know that the Graduate School requires a GPA of 3.0, but my GPA is lower.  Can I still apply?
A        You may apply, but you will want to keep in mind that competition is such that the program frequently denies applicants who have GPAs well above the 3.0 mark.  The few applicants that the program has admitted with a GPA under 3.0 have GPAs that are very close to the cut-off and are exceptional in other ways (e.g., they may have outstanding GRE scores, a considerable amount of relevant professional experience, persuasive and effective letters of recommendation, or a combination of these factors). 

Q       Can my letters of recommendation be submitted in the mail, instead of online?
A        The program will accept letters written on official letterhead via US Mail, but they must be submitted in a sealed envelope and must bear the recommender’s original signature. 

Q       Does the program need an official transcript, too?
A        It is not necessary to send an official transcript to the program office.  The Graduate School must receive one, and we get a copy from them.

 

Current Students

Q       I’m a Masters student but I’ve decided to pursue the PhD (or vice versa).  Can I do this?  What if I want to pursue both at the same time? 
A        You may switch degree objectives or pursue both degrees at once provided you have your advisor’s approval.  You will need to file a Change of Status application with the Graduate School’s Office of Admissions if you are changing or adding a degree objective.  You will need to pay a fee as well.

Q       I want to switch from one track to another.  How do I do this?
A        Pending your advisor’s approval, you may file a Change of Status application with the Graduate School.  You will have to pay a fee.  If you are changing from the general program (i.e., no track specified) to a track then there is no fee. 

Q       What exactly are you looking for on the Research Plan and Statement of Education & Career Goals form?  How long should it be? 
A        The purpose of this statement is to help faculty determine whether or not you are taking appropriate coursework to meet your research objectives, and ultimately your career objectives.  We want you to explain, as clearly as possible, what your research project is/will be: what question are you trying to answer?  What is your methodology?  How will you collect data?  Interpret and report results?  We realize that it isn’t always possible to answer these questions ahead of time, but without knowing how you will conduct research, faculty have no way of knowing whether or not your coursework will adequately prepare you for research.  There is no minimum or maximum length: some students submit 30 pages or more, while others submit only a few. 

Q       Do I need to take my thesis credits according to any particular pattern?  Can I take all of them at once?   
A       Masters Students: Provided you have your advisor’s permission, you may take your thesis credits according to any pattern that seems logical to you.  You may also take all 10 of your Plan A thesis credits during one semester.  Bear in mind that any time you go over the 14 credit threshold, additional tuition costs are incurred.  Even if you have an assistantship, it will not cover the cost of the additional credit(s).  You will get a bill for them and will be expected to pay it unless you’ve made a prior arrangement with your advisor or department. 
Doctoral students typically do not take all 24 thesis credits at one time due to the tremendous cost it would incur.  Most students take 12 one semester and 12 the next, but if there are compelling reasons for doing something somewhat different, it is allowed.  Going over the 14 credit threshold means that there will be additional tuition costs to you, regardless of whether or not you are on an assistantship. 

Q       I’m a doctoral student.  I’ve finished taking classes, but I haven’t done my prelims yet and I need to maintain full-time enrollment in order to keep my assistantship.  What are my options?
A        Most students opt to take six Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (XX 8666).  The Graduate School limits the number of times students may register for pre-thesis credits to two.  With the consent of the graduate program, students may register for pre-thesis credits up to four times.  Students who have completed their prelims should be eligible for Advanced Doctoral Status, which will allow them to register for one credit (XX 8444).  Masters students may also qualify for Advanced Masters Status, but the eligibility requirements are different.  Please see the program coordinator for answers to specific questions.  

  
Q       Next semester I only need to take one class, so I will be registering for fewer than six credits.  How do I maintain full-time status?
A        One option is to use the Special Graduate Assistant Registration Status Request Form.  Please keep in mind that a new form must be submitted for each term a student takes fewer than six credits.  For more information, please contact the Graduate Assistant Employment Office (612/625-9801).  If you are an international student on a visa, you should investigate this option with the International Student and Scholar Services office to make sure that you will not be jeopardizing your student status.