Introduction to the Ph.D. Program in Natural Resources and Environmental Science

The Natural Resources and Environmental Science (NRES) Ph.D. degree offers graduate study of the ecology, management, and restoration of ecosystems. Areas of specialization include:

• Biogeochemistry and Soil Processes
• Climate Change Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Ecosystem Ecology
• Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology
• Environmental Science
• Fire Ecology
• Forest Ecology
• Freshwater Science
• Landscape Ecology
• Natural Resource Ecology
• Quantitative Ecology
• Remote Sensing of Natural Resources
• Restoration Ecology
• Wildlife Ecology

Program Description

The NRES Doctoral degree program is inherently multidisciplinary and capitalizes upon the broad spectrum of expertise offered by NRES departmental faculty. Student learning outcomes include:

1. Demonstrating critical thinking, writing, and communication skills.
2. Demonstrating knowledge of the theoretical basis and experimental methods used for the study of natural resources and environmental science.
3. Demonstrating knowledge of experimental design, field/laboratory instrumentation and procedures, computer models, and data analyses used in natural resource and environmental science research.

Degree Requirements

NRES Ph.D. students must pass the following milestones to earn a Ph.D.:

1. Complete required courses as well as earn a UNR-mandated number of credits.
2. Declare one or more advisors, establish a graduate advisory committee, and submit a program of study.
3. Pass a written and oral comprehensive exam.
4. Prepare a dissertation proposal in collaboration with the graduate advisory committee.
5. Perform dissertation research.
6. Write and defend the dissertation.

Coursework

Required Courses

All NRES Ph.D. students must take:

1. NRES 685 "Conversations in Natural Resources and Environmental Science"
2. Six credits of approved quantitative coursework at the 600 or higher level
3. Four credits of a committee-approved seminar series

Credit Requirements

• Minimum of 60 graduate units is required, including at least 40 units in coursework.
• Maximum of 24 units from a completed master's degree.
• At least 18 units of 700-level courses, exclusive of dissertation units.
• 12-30 dissertation units may be applied toward completion of the doctoral degree.

Advisor, Graduate Advisory Committee, and Program of Study

Advisor

NRES requires any incoming students to have an agreed-upon faculty advisor for acceptance to the program.

Graduate Advisory Committee

The committee must contain at least two active tenured/tenure-track members of NRES and at least one member from a department or program different from the department or program from which the student is graduating.

Program of Study

The membership of the committee must be finalized by the end of the second semester.

Comprehensive Exam

The comprehensive exam's purpose is to test the student's knowledge of their chosen course of study. The exam consists of a set of written questions provided by each member of the committee and will be graded by the same committee member.

Dissertation Proposal

The student must submit to their committee a written dissertation proposal, typically by the end of their fifth semester and after passing the comprehensive exam.

Advancing to Candidacy and Dissertation Research

Once the student has taken all required courses, has passed the comprehensive exam, and has completed their dissertation proposal, they should complete and have the committee sign the Doctoral Admission to Candidacy form.

Dissertation and Defense

The objective of writing a dissertation is to demonstrate the ability of a student to communicate their science, hypotheses, methods, and findings in written form.

Dissertation Requirements

An acceptable dissertation may have two different formats: the "Manuscript Format" and the "Book Format".

Manuscript Format

This format is organized such that the core chapters are effectively draft manuscripts that can be submitted to appropriate peer-reviewed journals in the field of study.

Book Format

The format of a book-format dissertation follows the classical, single-document dissertation format.

Dissertation Defense

The defense consists of a public presentation followed by a private discussion among the committee members.

Annual Statement of Goals and Expectations and Evaluations

All students are required to prepare, in collaboration with their advisor, an annual statement of goals and expectations at the beginning of the school year, and an evaluation of the student's progress meeting these expectations at the end of each school year.

Teaching Requirements

All Ph.D. students are required to participate in at least one semester of committee-approved teaching or mentorship.

Graduate School Academic Requirements

All graduate students must maintain a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0. If their GPA drops below 3.0, they are either placed on probation or dismissed.

Exceptions to Degree Requirements

The requirements detailed above constitute the expectations of all Ph.D. students entering the program, but there may need to be exceptions to these policies under certain circumstances.

Timeline for Degree Completion

The following timeline is based on expectations of the Graduate School and the NRES Ph.D. Program.

• First 30 days of the first semester: Completion of thesis advisor form
• End of the first semester: Statement of Goals and Expectations
• End of the second semester: Formation of advisory committee and first committee meeting, Completion of program of study, Completion of Annual Evaluation, Update Statement of Goals and Expectations for the upcoming academic year
• End of the fourth semester: Comprehensive Exam (Written and Oral)
• End of the fifth semester: Dissertation Proposal
• Before the end of the final semester: Submit graduation application form, Schedule a date for the public and private thesis defense with committee members and department

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships may take several forms, including both research and teaching assistantships. All graduate assistantships are contingent on satisfactory progress through the program.

Health Insurance

All domestic degree-seeking graduate students who are enrolled in six or more credits in a semester will be automatically enrolled and billed for the University-sponsored health insurance.

Leave of Absence

Students in good standing may request a leave of absence by completing a Leave of Absence form during which time they are not required to maintain continuous registration.

Graduate Student Association

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) represents all graduate students and promotes the welfare and interests of the graduate students at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Graduate School Forms

Please refer to the Graduate School forms web page for all forms available at The Graduate School.

Changes to the Ph.D. Handbook

This handbook should be considered a "living document" and may change over time. Current students will use the handbook version at the time of their entry into the program to determine what policies they must follow.

University of Nevada, Reno

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Overview:

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is Nevada's first university, established in 1874. It is a public research university located in Reno, Nevada, and is known for its commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering student success. UNR is ranked among U.S. News & World Report's Best National Universities.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UNR offers a vibrant campus experience with a variety of activities and opportunities for students to engage in. Students can participate in student organizations, attend sporting events, enjoy the beautiful campus, and explore the surrounding area. The university also provides access to resources such as the E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center and the Wolf Pack Map, an online campus map for navigation and information.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong academic programs:

UNR offers a wide range of academic programs with expert faculty in a supportive learning environment.

Beautiful campus and location:

The university is located in Reno, Nevada, a city known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Vibrant student life:

UNR offers a variety of activities and opportunities for students to engage in, both on and off campus.

Commitment to student success:

The university is dedicated to providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed.

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Academic Programs:

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Other:

UNR is known for its strong research programs, particularly in the areas of mining, engineering, and environmental science. The university also has a strong commitment to community engagement and outreach.