University of Nebraska - Lincoln
AC-4: Graduate Program

The School of Natural Resources offers graduate programs leading to a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Resource Sciences. The broad diversity of climate, habitat, hydrology, soils, and near-surface and subsurface geology across Nebraska provides a multitude of opportunities for field study in each of these areas. Our excellent faculty conduct research throughout Nebraska, across the United States, and around the world.

The Departments of Civil Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering, and Chemical Engineering jointly administer an interdisciplinary program leading to a Master of Science in environmental engineering. The program is closely coupled to other areas, particularly in the water environment and natural resources areas. Faculty members in the three departments offer a balance of expertise covering the four major areas of environmental engineering, as sanctioned by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers. These include: water supply engineering, wastewater engineering, hazardous waste management engineering, and solid waste management engineering. A fifth area of emphasis in diffuse (non-point) and agricultural waste management engineering is also available.

The MS in Architecture has curriculum that is developed on an individual basis between the student and faculty. General information about the MS program can be found here: http://architecture.unl.edu/degree-programs/architecture/masters-science-architecture

Another program in the College of Architecture that deals with sustainability is the Master of Community and Regional Planning. The MCRP works to develop solutions through strategic planning and sustainability principles in order to enhance livability, guide development and preserve environmental areas for a resilient future. More information on the MCRP program page can be found here: http://architecture.unl.edu/degree-programs/community-and-regional-planning

The Grassland Management graduate certificate is a 12 credit hour program designed for current and future grassland professionals--managers, advisers and conservationists--and others who want to increase their knowledge about the conservation, utilization and sustainability of managed grassland systems.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Kansas State University, Iowa State University, and the University of Missouri (Columbia) have been collaborating on grasslands management distance education courses as part of the multi-institutional USDA-funded Higher Education Challenge grant. The overarching project goal of the grant is to establish a multi-state agricultural consortium to develop and deliver high-priority collaborative distance education program in the food and agricultural sciences.

There is a history of excellence in grassland research and education at the institutions collaborating on the Grasslands Management Graduate Certificate Program. The graduate certificate is designed to provide students a knowledge base in pasture and range management; vegetation analysis, root growth, and utilization; grassland and wetlands ecology; watershed management; fire ecology; grassland plants, insects and diseases; and basic research and educational programs in grasslands.

Another program in the College of Agricultural Sciences that deals with sustainability is Environmental Studies. The environmental studies program uses a holistic approach and a framework of sustainability. This framework recognizes the necessity of meeting current resource needs without compromising the environment or the ability of future generations to meet their needs.