Natural Resources Four Plus One

An accelerated bachelor's and master's degree program

Earn credits towards your Bachelor of Science and Master of Natural Resources degrees simultaneously and in less time with the four plus one program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources. Once you are accepted into the program you can take up to nine credits of 500 or 600 level courses during your senior year and count them towards both your Bachelor's and Master's degrees. You will have 22 credits to complete the MNR program after graduation.

Is this degree right for me?

The Master of Natural Resources degree is designed for people who anticipate a career in hands-on resource management with either a governmental or non-governmental conservation agency. The curriculum provides training in policy, research, project management, budgeting, communication, and administration, preparing you for potential management opportunities and future career advancement. You will become a proficient leader, ready to impact natural resource management decisions with a strategic business perspective and environmental know-how. The program is not designed for seeking a career in research or planning to obtain another degree (like a PhD) after their master’s. Students interested in research or advanced degrees should consider our thesis-based Master of Science program.

How do I apply? 

Students are admitted to the Four Plus One program during their junior year. Prospective students must first be admitted to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and be pursuing a major in the College of Natural Resources.

Prospective Students: Apply to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

  •  Visit our Admissions office for details on applying to UW-Stevens Point

  • A copy of your completed UW-Stevens Point application and official transcripts will be sent to us for inclusion in your CNR application packet.

Current UWSP Students: Apply to the Four Plus One Program during your junior year

​Step 1: Meet with your advisor and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs during your sophomore/junior year to discuss if the Four Plus One Program is feasible for you.

Step 2: Submit the following items to TNR 100 by March 1 of your junior year.

  • CNR 4+1 program application 
  • ​Letter of intent describing your academic experience, interests in graduate study, and future plans following graduate school (1-2 pages)
  • A current resume
  • Two letters of recommendation (standard letter or this form will be acceptable) need to be emailed by your references to cnrmnr@uwsp.edu or mailed to CNR Graduate Coordinator, TNR 100, UW-Stevens Point, 800 Reserve Street, Stevens Point, WI  54481.

Step 3: Before your senior year, discuss courses to take at the graduate level with your advisor.

Step 4: Apply to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Graduate Program
  • Visit our Admissions office for details on applying to the UW-Stevens Point graduate program. This needs to be completed by the spring semester of your senior year.
  • A copy of your completed UW-Stevens Point application and official transcripts will be sent to us for inclusion in your CNR MNR application packet.
Step 5: Apply to the MNR Program
  • When your undergraduate degree is complete, you then apply to the CNR MNR program.
  • References for your MNR 4+1 application can be transferred to your online MNR application, or you can let us know you’ll have new references sending in their letters/evaluation forms.

What is the cost of the program?

Senior year – graduate credits are somewhat more expensive than undergraduate credits.  The actual cost will depend on how many of each type of credit is taken.

Master of Natural Resource credits are $650 per credit, with an additional $50 per credit distance education fee. Additional seg fees may be applied.