Master of Science in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Specialization in Conservation Leadership

at INTO Group - Colorado State University USA

The Major in Geology provides a rigorous academic and practical basis for diverse professional geosciences and other careers that include private and public sector water, energy, mineral and other natural resources, geologic hazards, resources and environmental management, and education. The major also provides a quantitative science and general education preparation for graduate studies, including hydrology, geophysics, environmental geology, economic geology, resources management, public policy, and many other areas.

The Geology curriculum encompasses a strong geosciences education within the broader framework of a liberal education. Emphasis is placed on integrating field studies in the Colorado Rocky Mountains and elsewhere with extensive on-campus classroom and laboratory work. In addition to obtaining a thorough knowledge of geosciences, students complete courses in mathematics, physical sciences, communications, and the liberal arts to develop effective quantitative, decision making, and communications skills. Four concentrations are offered to allow focus on specialized career interests: Geology, Environmental Geology, Geophysics, and Hydrogeology.

When you major in Art (B.A.), you’ll take your passions to new levels of creativity and expression. You’ll start with a foundational year, where you’ll get exposure to every medium from drawing to metalsmithing to ceramics to digital art. In the B.A. program, you’ll become adept at studio arts, and can focus on history or integrated visual studies, which combines art coursework with coursework from another discipline.

Art History - Concentration
The Art History concentration seeks to develop students' critical and analytical skills and their ability to comprehend global visual arts within social, historical, cultural, and aesthetic frameworks. Students learn about the visual and material culture of societies from around the world and across time, reflecting the global turn in the discipline of Art History today. Our program offers a diverse array of courses that range from the Italian Renaissance to contemporary African art, women in art, and native North American art. Art History majors can apply their skills in visual literacy, analytical research, and oral communication to a wide range of fields to shape their career path. Our students have entered careers in academia, museums, historical societies, and auction houses, just to name a few.

The Equine Science major provides students with an industry-oriented, science-based education that prepares them for careers in a growing equine industry or one of the many industries associated with equine production.  The curriculum focuses on in-depth scientific knowledge of equine physiology and function and how to relate those scientific principles to the industry. Equine Science majors develop a broad understanding of the horse as it relates to business, recreational, and production aspects of the industry through selection of specialized courses to enhance their technical, practical, and business skills.

Computer science is about creating innovative solutions to complex, real-world problems. Students in this major study step-by-step computational methods for solving problems by encoding, storing, tracking and transforming information. Computer science is much broader than just programming. It is informed by the theory and architecture of computing devices, and the tools and practices used to design and implement software.

The computer science major at CSU provides students a broad background in the field while simultaneously allowing students to focus on specific areas. In addition to a general computer science degree with the option for a minor in a field of their choice, we offer the following concentrations:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Computing Systems
• Human-Centered Computing
• Networks and Security
• Software Engineering

The department offers a wide range of specialized senior-level courses where students can explore in depth different areas of computer science including: big data, computer networks, distributed systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computational biology / bioinformatics, human-computer interaction, graphics, database systems, compilers, parallel programming, object oriented design, and advanced topics in algorithms and theory of computer science.

The Environmental Politics and Policy track builds upon the Department of Political Science’s international reputation for excellence in the study of the natural environment across the traditional subfields of political science. As a land-grant University, CSU offers a wide variety of environmental programs that students can leverage for advancing their academic and career goals. This specialization enables students to pursue careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors that require expertise in environmental issues and/or political and policy processes. It will also serve as a springboard for students interested in pursuing doctoral studies in environmental politics and policy.

The Department of English is home to poets and linguists, literacy researchers and teacher educators, novelists and literary scholars, composition specialists and writers of creative nonfiction.

Areas of Study

• Literature

It’s no secret that knowing other languages opens doors to a world of opportunities. This major offers undergraduate instruction in 10 languages, concentrations in French, German and Spanish, and opportunities for education abroad. You’ll gain the ability to communicate in another tongue, but also to analyze literary texts and films, to understand the workings of language, to appreciate diversity and to interact successfully across cultures.

Spanish - Concentration
Courses include language, linguistics, translation, Latin American literatures and cultures, Peninsular literatures and cultures and Transatlantic studies. Students join the Spanish Club, El Centro, and study abroad.

The Department of English is home to poets and linguists, literacy researchers and teacher educators, novelists and literary scholars, composition specialists and writers of creative nonfiction.

The MA in English with a specialization in Writing, Rhetoric, and Social Change allows you to pursue the study of writing and writing instruction, including the theory and practice of writing and writing instruction; the roles writing plays in public and private contexts; the composing processes used by writers in varying contexts and for particular purposes; the social, cultural, and historical forces shaping writing and writing instruction; and the impact of technology on writing and writing instruction.

Areas of Study

• Writing, Rhetoric, and Social Change

The Major in Interior Architecture and Design exemplifies the definition of the professional designer as qualified by education, experience, and examination to design interior environments that enhance the function and quality of life, increase productivity, and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Academic preparation is grounded in research-based problem solving and experiential education through studio instruction, service learning, and internships that encompass a variety of cultural, environmental, and historical perspectives. The program has a longstanding accreditation by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), recognizing the highest academic standards established by the profession.

Students seeking to apply to the Interior Architecture and Design major at CSU first are admitted to CSU as Pre-Interior Architecture and Design. All students who wish to be considered for admission to Interior Architecture and Design (IAD) major will be required to complete the Interior Architecture and Design Scenario practicum. Selective advancement into the major is based on the review received at the IAD Scenario, where external reviewers will assess student competencies in writing for design, sketching, problem-solving, and conceptual frameworks. A cohort of approximately 50-60 students advances based on performance on the IAD Design Scenario. The IAD Design Scenario occurs annually in the spring semester. See the Department of Design and Merchandising for more information regarding the Interior Architecture and Design Scenario.

The B.F.A. in Art is considered the professional degree for studio art and art education majors, allowing you to explore various mediums and gain a foundational knowledge base in art history. You’ll get opportunities to learn from masters of their crafts as well as look back upon art throughout the ages, different forms of expression, and their impact on society.

Graphic Design - Concentration
The Graphic Design concentration is closely aligned with the artistry, practices, and standards of excellence in the contemporary design professions. With an emphasis on rich processes, conceptual problem-solving, and technical proficiency, students are able to create effective expressions of visual communication in a variety of print and digital media. Experimental explorations of typography, illustration, and design systems are expected from participants of the program, as well as applications of design that address social impact and awareness. Design theory, history, and professional practices are discussed regularly with faculty. Projects and activities are designed to prepare students for the varied challenges and opportunities for professionals in visual communications.