For Stevens Point News

STEVENS POINT — A new program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point offers those working in natural resources the opportunity for professional advancement through an online master’s degree.

The Master of Natural Resources online degree program starts this fall. It is open to those with a wide variety of experiences and undergraduate degrees, including fisheries and water resources, forestry, soil and waste management, wildlife ecology and many others. The focus is on developing research, leadership, administrative and communication skills to assist participants in pursuing management roles within their current organization.

“If you are looking to advance your education without leaving a job, this is the best option,” said Tim Ginnett, a professor of wildlife ecology and the College of Natural Resources’ associate dean for Academic Affairs. “The program is designed to provide great flexibility in how fast you wish to progress and in what specific topics you want to study.”

The program consists of 31 credits, including four required courses and six elective courses that may be completed solely online in as few as 18 months or over several years. Participants may enroll in one or more classes per term, and up to nine credits may be transferable. No thesis is required, and financial aid is available to those who qualify.

UW-    UW-Stevens Point also offers an on-campus, thesis-based master’s degree in natural resources.

To learn more about the new online master’s degree program, go to www.uwsp.edu/mnr.