Natural Resources and Environmental Education (NREE)

    Graduate Certificate in Natural Resources and Environmental Education (NREE) at Utah State University

    Graduate Certificate in Natural Resources and Environmental Education (NREE) at Utah State University

    Study Natural Resources and Environmental Education (NREE) at Utah State University, a Graduate Certificate degree offered at its main campus in Logan , United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 6 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for August 29, 2026.

    About Graduate Certificate in Natural Resources and Environmental Education (NREE)

    USU offers an interdisciplinary Natural Resources and Environmental Education (NREE) certificate program to provide graduate students with an educational foundation for understanding and communicating natural resources and environmental information. The purpose of the certificate is to meet the needs of graduate students who wish to work in natural resources and environmental education and interpretation. Essentially, the goal of environmental educators and interpreters is to take scientific environmental information and present it in relatable formats and in language that the general public can understand. Students in the NREE program gain the analytical skills needed to effectively implement environmental education and communication techniques for a variety of audiences.

    To earn the certificate, students must be enrolled as graduate students at USU. Currently we are not able to offer one of the two NREE core foundation courses, ENVS 5110 (Environmental Education). Therefore this program is only available for students who participate in the Utah Conservation Corps one-year Individual Placement Program in environmental education, take the course at another college or university, or have gained a background in environmental education through another means.

    These options fulfill the requirement on a case-by-case basis. The NREE program coordinator will determine if a students experience in environmental education qualifies.


    Requirements and Admission Criteria for Graduate Certificate in Natural Resources and Environmental Education (NREE) at Utah State University

    Entry Requirements

    To apply for admittance into the NREE interdisciplinary graduate certificate program, a student must:

    • Be accepted to the School of Graduate Studies at Utah State University for study in a master's or doctoral program. Students in any graduate program at USU can participate in the certificate program. The credits for the courses can go toward a master's degree with the College of Natural Resources, but may not be approved for progress toward degrees in other colleges. However, students from other colleges are still welcome to complete the program.
    • Complete an NREE interdisciplinary graduate certificate program application.
    • Submit a resume with references, along with a narrative describing personal interest in completing the NREE certificate program with respect to your professional goals. 

    Admission Deadlines

    Because all students in the certificate program must also be enrolled in a graduate degree program, students should refer to the deadlines for the graduate degree they are interested in pursuing. After acceptance into that program, students can apply to the NREE certificate program.


    The interdisciplinary graduate certificate program consists of three curriculum components totaling 15-17 credits:  

    • The NREE core, with two foundation courses, a NREE graduate seminar, and an integrating capstone experience
    • One human dimensions of natural resources/environment course
    • One natural resources/environmental management course
    • There is also an option to focus additional coursework in the area of personal/professional inquiry

    Financial Assistance

    Students participating in the certificate program are also enrolled in a graduate program; therefore, their financial assistance is awarded as part of their respective master's or doctoral programs.

    A variety of funding opportunities are available to graduate students, including fellowships, scholarships, assistantships, tuition awards, and travel support. Additionally, students may be eligible for subsidized health insurance through qualifying assistantships.


    English Requirements

    • IELTSMin 6
    • TOEFLMin 71

    English Program Requirements

    Students who do not demonstrate the required English proficiency scores, but are academically qualified, may be considered for admission to the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) on the Logan campus. If admitted, students complete required English language courses before beginning their academic coursework.

    Career Opportunities after Completing Graduate Certificate in Natural Resources and Environmental Education (NREE)

    Graduates with the NREE certificate are qualified to work as environmental educators and interpreters in the following areas:

    • Formal (K-12 school-based) educational programs
    • Nonformal (youth, community, and outdoor) education programs
    • Nonprofit organizations
    • For-profit commercial sector
    • Federal, state, and local agencies
    • Nature centers and conservation groups

    Fee Information

    How to Apply

    1. Visit Our Website

    a. Go to gradschool.usu.edu/apply/ to start the application process.

    b. Read all admissions requirements on our website.

    c. Click on the “Apply Now” button to create an account to apply.

    2. Fill Out Application

    a. Fill out the following information:

    i. Personal

    ii. Demographic

    iii. Misdemeanor/Felony information, if necessary

    iv. Citizenship

    v. Academic History

    vi. Intended Program of Study Information

    vii. NOTE: You cannot submit supplemental items until you have filled out all personal and demographic information, submitted the application, and paid the application fee.

    b. Make sure to select the correct entry term (e.g., Spring 2022, Fall 2022, etc.)

    c. Submit the application and pay the fee.

    i. If you have a waiver code, use it in the discount code box to waive the fee.

    3. Supplemental Items

    a. Log back into the USU Recruit Application Portal.

    b. Enter your application to submit items.

    c. Required supplemental items may include, but are not limited to, the following (Please check with your intended program for specific details):

    i. Transcripts

    1. USU applicants do not need to send transcripts. We pull them from our system for you.

    2. All other applicants, please send your official transcripts to the following address:

    a. School of Graduate Studies

    Utah State University

    0900 Old Main Hill

    Logan, UT 84322-0900

    b. Please note that in order to be considered official, the transcript must (1) be sent directly from the institution to Utah State University, or (2) be forwarded by the applicant with the transcript remaining in the original, unopened envelope from the institution.

    ii. Letters of Recommendation

    1. Fill out the recommendation request forms. Recommendations must come from referee, not from applicant, to be considered valid.

    iii. Statement of Purpose

    iv. Test Scores

    1. GRE Scores

    a. Send to school code 4857

    2. MAT Scores

    a. Send to school code 2273

    3. NOTE: Expired test scores will not be accepted.

    d. International applicants must also include:

    i. Proof of English language proficiency through one of the options below.

    1.TOEFL Scores – 71 or higher

    a. Send to school code 4857

    2. IELTS Academic Scores – 6.0 or higher

    a. Upload student copy to application, clearly showing TRF number.

    b. Our test score processor will upload official scores.

    3. Completion of at least 24 credits of post-secondary/university course work taught in the U.S. in English, excluding English as a second language courses. Courses must have been taken at an accredited college or university to be considered for direct admission.

    4. NOTE: Expired test scores will not be accepted.

    ii. A certified English translation of any transcript originally penned in another language.

    1. Due to COVID-19 constraints, Utah State University is temporarily accepting unofficial transcripts from international applicants. Upon admittance, students will be required to submit an official transcript before registering for classes.

    iii. Proof of Financial Support

    1. Affidavit of Financial Support

    2. Bank Statement Copy

    iv. Passport Copy

    v. International applicants can direct any questions not related to the information above to the Office of Global Engagement.

    Graduate Certificate in Natural Resources and Environmental Education (NREE) at Utah State University
    Utah State University
    Utah State University
    United States of America

    United States of America, Logan

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