Co-op program with National Park Service
The Master of Science in resource communications is a cooperative program under a memorandum of understanding between the National Park Service and SFA to provide an online graduate degree in resource communication.
Lead in the great outdoors
Whether you are a park ranger, interpreter or recreation manager, you can take your career to the next level. You care about the natural world and want to share its wonders with others. Come grow your research, communication and resource interpretation skills so you can thrive in the next adventure. Our graduates hold top positions at renowned national parks across the country, including Grand Teton, Kenai Fjords, Glacier and Saguaro.
Choose your path
You can choose from a thesis or non-thesis option to best fit your professional goals.
Both capstone tracks require 30-semester-credit hours.
- Thesis option: Work with an advisory committee to develop a proposal, conduct your research and write your thesis.
- Non-thesis option: Develop a project and create a presentation, paper or poster for a professional conference. You'll also complete an oral comprehensive exam on campus in your final semester.
Applying to the resource communications master's program
Requirements for admission
To be eligible for consideration into the program, you must:
- meet the SFA Graduate School requirements
- achieve an undergraduate 2.8 GPA or higher overall
- or a 3.0 GPA on your final 60 hours of undergraduate work
- and be one of the following:
- in your final year of undergraduate work
- holding a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- or have 95 or more semester hours of undergraduate work at SFA and be approved as an overlap student.
Note: If you have an overall average of 2.5 in your last 60 hours, you may be considered for probationary status.
Ready to complete your application?
- Secure a faculty advisor by connecting with a forestry faculty member who shares similar research interests.
- Apply to the Graduate School and submit your official transcripts.
- Submit a letter of application to the Department of Forestry identifying your advisor and two letters of reference on official letterhead.
See curriculum
Curriculum requirementsRemote learning?
Yes. This is a fully-online program.
How long will it take?
30 semester-credit hours.
What are my capstone options?
There are two options for each concentration.
1. Non-thesis track with a comprehensive exam
2. Research thesis
Questions?
Get in touch! We're here to help.
Department of Forestry
Human Services Building, Suite 312