Designed for Current and Aspiring Environmental Sustainability Leaders

A graduate degree from a widely respected and fully accredited university like Virginia Tech can lead to new rewarding career opportunities, whether you are looking to step up or pivot. To help chart career trajectories, all of our students receive personalized career coaching.  

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The world requires a new generation of leaders—people from all backgrounds coming together and leading to create a more sustainable future.

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The Master of Natural Resources (MNR) degree is designed for professionals aiming to advance their careers or to shift to leadership roles in the environmental and sustainability fields or functions. Delivered through two flexible formats—online and hybrid—our innovative instruction allows you to immediately apply what you learn to real-world challenges.

Our programs are designed for both recent graduates and adult learners—people with jobs, families, and other responsibilities in addition to graduate school. We are set up to support all our students, and we have the experience, capacity, and resources to ensure your success.

New to the environmental field?

Our programs will give you a thorough and nuanced understanding of where and how you can apply your knowledge and your passion. You don’t need a prior academic or professional background in the field to participate and begin solving today’s most challenging issues. With the knowledge and skills you will gain, you will confidently lead from where you are.

Flexible Formats

• Diverse undergrad majors welcomed
• Graduate in as few as 12 months
• 30-credit, non-thesis degree
• 10-day overseas Global Study (select locations)
• No GRE required
• Environmental science background is not required
• Admission decisions are based on both academic and professional experience
• No additional cost for out-of-state or international students
• Online MNR offers asynchronous flexibility and topical areas of focus
• Executive MNR program meets 11 weekends per year: on campus in the Washington, D.C. metro area for five 3-day meetings and virtually for six 2-day meetings

Subjects of Study

• Climate Change and Resiliency
• Energy Systems
• Food and Agriculture
• Water and Watersheds
• Poverty and Development
• Urbanization and Sustainable Cities
• Circular Economy and Sustainable Business
• Market and Governance Transformations
• Global Flows and Supply Chains
• Biodiversity and Ecosystems
• Environmental Security

Online Master of Natural Resources Application Deadlines

Spring 2026 Application Deadline

Master of Natural Resources (Online)
Deadline: January 10, 2026
Term Dates: January 21 – May 7, 2026

Summer 2026 Application Deadline

Master of Natural Resources (Online)
Deadline: May 15, 2026
Term Dates: May 26 – August 14, 2026

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