Graduate Field of Natural Resources Degree Guidelines
MPS Degree
The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) is a professional non-thesis degree . The MPS degree is required to be completed in a minimum of two semesters and must be completed within 4 years of admission. Students must ear a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Checklist for completing MPS Degree
Visit MPS degree coordinator in the Office of Academic Programs, 140 Roberts Hall: Should be done shortly after arrival on campus. Secure a copy of the requirements check-off sheet and discuss any questions you have related to College requirements for the degree. For more information on the MPS program visit their website located at http://cals.cornell.edu/mps/.
Special Committee: The CALS MPS program requires that students select an advisor by the third week of their first semester; this can be done in student center.
Work with Advisor to determine project: MPS students prepare and submit a problem-solving project report under the supervision of their advisor. The student and advisor are responsible for the content and length of the paper. The CALS MPS program sets the minimum format for project papers. Grammar, punctuation, spelling and other mechanical issues are the sole responsibility of the student. Students and advisor should agree on project proposal by the end of the first semester.
Academic Requirements: Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours related to the candidate’s professional interest, as agreed upon with the faculty advisor. Of those, 20 credit hours must be taken within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and at least 24 credits must be in courses numbered 4000 level or above. A maximum of 6 of the required 30 credit hours may be earned through the student’s problem-solving project.
Complete MPS project proposal: Recommended by the Field of Natural Resources and may be required by student’s advisor.
Meet with advisor: One meeting per semester recommended by Field of Natural Resources. One meeting per year is required. Some students may need more than one meeting a year.
Give Presentation at Graduate Student Association Symposium: Recommended by the Field of Natural Resources and may be required by student’s advisor.
Complete MPS project and turn into MPS Coordinator in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences: Required by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Present Public Seminar on MPS project: Recommended by the Field of Natural Resources.