Degree requirements  Admissions information

Whether you’re looking to advance your career or make a change, our Online Master’s Degree offers the best of both worlds: Unparalleled education from a top-tier research institution taught entirely online. For over a decade, our program has prepared graduates to achieve their career goals in studying, conserving, and restoring the natural world.

Earning an advanced degree doesn’t have to disrupt your daily schedule. Our program was specifically designed with busy calendars and careers in mind. Our classes are entirely online and meet in the evening. You select courses that align with your professional goals and choose whether to pursue the degree full- or part-time.

You can also try the program out before making the commitment of applying for admission. You can take up to 12 hours as non-degree seeking students to see if the program is going to meet their needs or to build a strong academic record that will increase their likelihood of being admitted.

Online Courses

Current Courses

Our well-established online program offers engaging courses taught by outstanding scientists in natural resource management and environmental sciences. From soil and water science to wildlife management and ecology, our coursework spans diverse areas helping you gain a broad understanding of ecological concepts with the ability to focus on topics most interesting to you.

Courses taught at the 400- and 500-levels under these rubrics typically count toward the M.S. in NRES. If you are interested in taking a non-NRES course that is not on your approved plan of study, please contact Piper Hodson (phodson@illinois.edu) to inquire about its acceptability.

Future Courses