MS Degree

The Field of Natural Resources and the Environment requires a research thesis and a final exam (defense), plus a public presentation. We encourage students to complete their degree in two-three years. Students in the MS /PhD degree program must complete the requirements for the MS degree before beginning the PhD program.

Checklist for Completing MS Degree

Special Committee: The Graduate School requires that students select a committee chair by the third week of their first semester; this is done in the Student Center. A master’s student in the Field of Natural Resources and the Environment must have at least two committee members, including a committee chair from the Field and one graduate faculty member. The graduate faculty requires that all students have a full special committee no later than the end of the second semester for master’s degree students. The form is submitted through Student Center and must be completed by the last Friday of classes.

Coursework as required by Special Committee: There are no specific courses or number of credits required by the Graduate Field of Natural Resources and the Environment or Graduate School, but the Field recommends that all incoming MS students take Introduction to Graduate Studies (NTRES 6000). There are no required number of credit hours per semester, but the field recommends students register for 12 credits each semester. If students are not enrolled in classes, they must sign up for thesis research credits, generally under the supervision of their committee chair. Graduate students may take undergraduate courses as deemed necessary by their special committee.

Semesters of Registration: The minimum requirement for graduation is two semesters of registration. No more than one in absentia semester of registration may count toward the minimum requirement. At least four semesters of registration are required for a terminal master’s degree.

Complete MS research proposal: Recommended by the Field of Natural Resources and the Environment and may be required by student’s special committee.

Meet with Special Committee: One meeting per year required by Field of Natural Resources and the Environment. Students are encouraged to meet with committee members more often than once per year so that students can effectively learn from and utilize the committee members’ expertise. Students and committee members should agree on coursework and the research project.

Give Presentation at Graduate Student Association Symposium in January: Recommended by the Field of Natural Resources and the Environment and may be required by student’s special committee.

Complete online annual progress report: Required by the Graduate School each spring semester.

Conduct thesis defense with Special Committee: Required by the Graduate School.  Most of the work on the thesis should be completed prior to the student’s defense (or “final exam”). Additional revisions may be suggested at the defense. A master’s student takes the final exam upon completion of all requirements for the degree, but no earlier than one month before completion of the minimum semesters of registration requirement. This oral exam covers the topic of the master’s thesis. Students who return to the university from a leave of absence to take a final examination must register for the day as Candidate for Degree Only (CDO) and pay an administrative fee. Students must contact the Graduate Field Assistant at least 10 days in advance of the desired defense date to complete the required paperwork and formally schedule and announce the defense. The schedule of examination form can be found online at http://gradschool.cornell.edu/forms. The student’s special committee reports its decision to the Graduate School within three business days of the exam by submitting a Results of Exam Form available at http://gradschool.cornell.edu/forms.

Complete thesis and submit committee approved thesis through the Graduate School: Required by the Graduate School. Note that writing the thesis requires multiple revisions in cooperation with the special committee chair and other committee members. Talk to your special committee chair to develop a reasonable timeline for completion of various drafts. Students are expected to submit the final version of their thesis electronically within 60 days of the defense. Students missing this deadline are charged a late fee. Further details on thesis requirements, writing, and submission can be found at http://gradschool.cornell.edu/thesis-dissertation. Graduate School degrees are conferred three times a year: January, May, and August. Commencement ceremonies are held in December and May.

Present Public Seminar on thesis research: Required by the Field of Natural Resources and the Environment. This is a special seminar scheduled by the student and their committee; it is not part of the Department seminar series.