Applied Science (MAS)

MAS

Applied Science, MAS

On Campus Online 36 cr

The Master of Applied Science degree is designed for those whose educational objective is to pursue a professional degree in agriculture, food, and natural resources at the master's level.

Description

The Master of Applied Science degree is designed for those whose educational objective is to pursue a professional degree in agriculture, food, community development and natural resources at the master's level. The Master of Applied Science is a flexible and personalized practitioner degree program for individuals directly involved in agriculture, food, community development and natural resource-related industries and working agricultural, community development and natural resource professionals and science educators needing advanced education. The program is available to both residential and distance students.

For more information, visit https://appliedscience.unl.edu/master-applied-science-degree.

Specializations

  1. Beef Cattle Production
    • On Campus Online

    The Beef Cattle Production specialization works synergistically with the Masters of Applied Science (MAS) program to offer students with an interest in beef cattle production, the opportunity to become more familiar with nutrition, meat science, genetics, and growth topics in an online program.

    For more information, visit https://casnr.unl.edu/applied-science-beef-cattle-production-specialization.

    Department

    Applied Science

  2. Conservation Agriculture
    • On Campus

    The Conservation Agriculture specialization works synergistically with the MAS program to provide an educational experience for students who need post-baccalaureate systems-based training related to global models of ecosystem design, ecosystem services, and soil, water, and biodiversity conservation in the context of highly productive agricultural systems. If you wish to distinguish yourself in the workforce with an advanced degree, the Conservation Agriculture specialization may be for you. 

    For more information, visit https://appliedscience.unl.edu/conservation-agriculture-specialization.

    Specialization Core (9 Credits)
    Course NumberTitleCredits
    NRES 801 Topics in Applied Ecology 2
    NRES/AGRO/WATS 884 Water Resources Seminar 1
    NRES 829 Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management 3
    Select one of the following systems science courses:
    NRES 862 Conservation Biology 3
    AGRO 835 Agroecology 3
    AGRO 840 Great Plains Ecosystem 3
    NRES 814 Natural Resource Systems ** 3
    NRES 810 Landscape Ecology 3
    NRES 817 Agroforestry Systems in Sustainable Agriculture 3
    Total 9
    Additional Specialization Courses (9 Credits)
    Course NumberTitleCredits
    Select TWO of the following environmental design or environmental management courses:
    AGEN 841 Animal Waste Management 3
    AGRO 849 Watershed Management in Grasslands 3
    AGRO 852 Grazing Ecology and Management ** 3
    AGRO 875 Water Quality Strategy 3
    AGRO 889 Urbanization of Rural Landscapes 3
    BSEN 822 Pollution Prevention: Principles and Practices 3
    BSEN/NRES 868 Wetlands 3
    NRES 826 Invasive Plants 3
    NRES 833 Wildlife Management Techniques 3
    NRES 837 Adaptive Natural Resource Management 3
    NRES 838 Grassland Conservation: Planning and Management 3
    NRES 857 Green Space and Urban Forest Management 3
    NRES 870 Lake and Reservoir Restoration 3
    NRES 965 Managed Aquatic Systems 3
    Complete a project on a topic that integrates conservation and agriculture:
    NRES/AGRI/AGRO 897 Master of Applied Science Project 3
    Total 9

    Department

    Applied Science

  3. Environmental Education
    • On Campus

    The EE specialization provides post-baccalaureate training related to pedagogical methods in nonformal and formal education settings related to environmental education and conservation education. The advanced training is designed to provide a distinctive edge in the workforce and advancing careers.

    For more information, visit https://casnr.unl.edu/environmental-education-specialization.

    Department

    Applied Science

  4. Environmental Studies
    • On Campus Online

    Environmental Studies specialization provides graduate students a broad, interdisciplinary environmental perspective through coursework in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, allowing graduate students an opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the multiple dimensions of today’s environmental problems.

    Students will develop a broad, interdisciplinary environmental perspective through the courses in the Environmental Studies specialization. 

    Department

    Applied Science

  5. Science for Educators
    • On Campus Online

    The Science for Educators Specialization works synergistically with the Masters of Applied Science (MAS) program is designed to enhance educators' science content knowledge, demonstrate pedagogy that drives learning experiences and support educators to create an applicable, standards-based curriculum. The Science for Educators Specialization, MAS program emphasizes science content inquiry, integration and application.

    For more information, visit https://casnr.unl.edu/applied-science-science-educators-specialization.

    Department

    Applied Science

  6. Community Development
    • Online

    The online Community Development Specialization equips students with the tools and experiences to contribute to positive changes in communities and regions. The coursework is designed to teach critical and creative thinking, ethical consideration and the value of careful planning for all stakeholders.

    For more information, visit https://casnr.unl.edu/applied-science-community-development-specialization.

    Department

    Applied Science

Applying for Admission

Standard requirements for all graduate programs

  • Application for Admission with $50 non-refundable application fee.
  • Transcripts (unofficial): Uploaded as part of application form.

    If International: Uploads must include all college- or university-level transcripts or mark sheets (records of courses and marks earned), with certificates, diplomas, and degrees plus certified English translations.

    After admission: Official documents are required from all students who are admitted and enroll. Photocopies of certified records are not acceptable. International students enrolled in other U.S. institutions may have certified copies of all foreign records sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by their current school’s registrar office.

  • If applicant’s native language is not English, verification of English proficiency is required.

    When sending TOEFL scores, our institution code is 6877 and a department code is not needed.

  • If applicant is not a US citizen and expects an F or J visa: financial information.
  • Applicants must also fulfill any additional requirements the department specifies at the time of application.

Additional requirements specific to this program

  • Specializations:
    • GP IDEA applicants in Community Development: Be sure to select that specialization when applying.
    • All others: Students may declare a specialization when applying or after enrollment when establishing a plan of study. Enrollees will choose an area of concentration or specialization (15 graduate credit hours) that includes a 3-6 credit hour project; secondary area(s) of emphasis sometimes lead to a minor.
  • Academics: Undergraduate degree in life sciences or related area, such as biological or physical science, and experience in applied science; 3.00 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale.
  • Personal Statement: The personal statement should describe your long-term goals related to career and academic interests. It should also describe your primary area of interest within this program, and optionally a secondary area.
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • NOTE: If you reside in Kentucky, contact a program advisor before applying.

Department

Applied Science

Graduate Chair

Matthew Douglass

Tuition & Fees
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The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.

UNL Graduate Chairs and staff please complete the program update form to provide edits. Updates to graduate program pages are made on an annual basis in conjunction with the Graduate Application for Admission.