Current students are strongly advised to take advantage of all the resources our department has to offer to ensure success throughout their student experience.
General Information
For regular posts and announcements of information, follow the NRES Online M.S. Blog. Students are also welcome to post questions to the blog that might also be of interest to others.
To keep track of upcoming meetings, webinars, semester deadlines, and upcoming student capstone presentations, be sure to check on the NRES Calendar of Events.
Course Information
- Rotation of NRES Online M.S. Courses
- Schedule of Core Area Courses
- Current Offerings
- Future Course Offerings
Non-Thesis Capstone Options
There are three options for completing the capstone requirement for the non-thesis MS. Through the written product(s) of one of these options, a written final examination, and a final oral examination, each student is evaluated on the learning objectives of the program.
View Non-thesis Capstone Options
Forms
Plan of Study
Your plan of study must be submitted to NRES Student Services upon completion of NRES 594.
Appointing Your Committee
Students completing the NRES 503 capstone option are required to appoint your committee as soon as possible after approval of your research proposal. This form must be submitted to NRES Student Services.
Graduate Internship Approval Form
Complete the internship approval form if you plan to complete an internship for your capstone experience. A fully approved GIAF is required before internship can begin.
Research Proposal Cover Page & Research Proposal Guide
Each student selecting the Independent Research Project Capstone Option must conduct his/her NRES 501 or NRES 503 Independent Study Research Project near the completion of the graduate program. The Research Proposal (with the cover page) is due in NRES Student Services by the time you have completed 20 hours toward your degree.
Request for Action
This form is used most often by online students to request to change from the non-thesis to thesis option.
If you need the forms for your final examination, request them via e-mail from nres-ssc@illinois.edu, and Karen will send them, along with other information you need as you complete your degree.
Logistical Information
The Student Academic Resource Tool from the Office of Online and Continuing Education provides extensive information on registration, accessing courses, and more. Email online-info@illinois.edu for personal assistance.
Graduate Student Handbook
The handbook provides vital information about the process of earning a graduate degree in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. The most recent handbook contains the most up to date information about procedures and processes.
If you are checking degree requirements, you are governed by the handbook that was in effect for the semester that you first enrolled in the program, but the procedures in the most recent handbook apply to all students.
2021 NRES Graduate Student Handbook
Previous Handbooks
- Fall 2020-Summer 2021
- Fall 2018-Summer 2020
- Fall 2016-Summer 2018
- Fall 2015—Summer 2016
- Fall 2014—Summer 2015
- Fall 2013-Summer 2014
- Fall 2012-Summer 2013
- Fall 2010—Summer 2012
- Summer 2009—Summer 2010
- Summer 2007—Spring 2009
- Summer 2006—Spring 2007
- Summer 2004—Spring 2006
Funding and Career Resources
Funding Your Research
All graduate students, particularly those pursuing a doctorate, should begin the process of seeking research funds as early in their graduate education as possible.(The Library workshops listed on this page currently only occur on campus, but the other resources are available online.)
Graduate Career Resources
These career resources are beneficial for both our on-campus and online students.