Cultural and Environmental Resource Management, MS

The program is interdisciplinary, emphasizing understanding of problems encountered in the management of both natural and cultural resources. It includes a basic core of 27 credits in resource management, courses in areas of interest and a specialty track in either natural resource areas (management of land, water, biotic, atmospheric, and energy resources) or cultural resources management (ethnographic and archaeological sites and materials, historic properties, and archives). Students must complete at least 60 credits as outlined in an approved course of study filed with the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. The course of study is selected by advisement before completing 25 credits.

Admission Requirements
In addition to master’s degree guidelines for admission to master’s programs, applicants for admission must have the following qualifications:

1. A solid background in a discipline closely related to the resources they expect to manage. Normally, a bachelor’s degree is required in a technical field such as one of the biological, Earth, or physical sciences, geography, engineering, archaeology, ethnology, history, or architecture. In some cases work experience may be accepted in lieu of a technical major. Before admission, program faculty will evaluate the academic coursework and experience of all applicants for admission, and will recommend remedial course work if, in their judgment, there are deficiencies in pre-baccalaureate work which need to be overcome before entrance into the program.
2. A high proficiency in written and spoken English as well as potential for post-graduate study and research. Evidence of proficiency and potential may include: samples of previous writing, letters of recommendation, an informal interview , and/or any other evidence of academic success (e. g., standardized test scores).
3. A good background in basic statistics (the equivalent of two quarters of undergraduate statistics), knowledge of microeconomic principles, and some knowledge of computer systems (the equivalent of a one quarter undergraduate course).

Admission to the program and continuation in it may be conditional on the applicant’s satisfactory completion of remedial courses. Such courses will not count toward the program credit requirement but in some cases they may be taken after admission to the program.
Application Deadline and Materials: students must comply with all deadlines and procedures for “applying to CWU” in the graduate admissions section of this catalog.

Program Requirements
Graduate Committee: The student will have at least a three-member graduate committee, to be selected in consultation with the program coordinator and the dean of Graduate Studies and Research.

Thesis: Each candidate must successfully complete and defend a thesis that involves original research within the fields of cultural and environmental resource management.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an ability to effectively communicate through written and oral modes about cultural and environmental resource management issues.
• Compare and contrast U.S. environmental and cultural resource laws, policy and regulations.
• Analyze and apply knowledge of appropriate procedures for cultural and environmental analysis.
• Summarize and evaluate causes, character, affected parties, and resolution of resource-based conflicts.
• Propose, perform, and compose a significant unique written work in the field of cultural and environmental research. 
• Practice professional networking skills by engaging in activities such as internships, conferences, service learning activities, and the Cultural and Environmental Resource Management Association student club.