The Development and Implementation of a Professional Master's Degree for Natural Resource Agency Employees

In 2001 the Quinney College of Natural Resources at Utah State University began a professional master’s degree focused on providing practical post-BS experience and training in managing forests, rangelands, and fish and wildlife populations.  Initially the degree program was targeted to recent recipients of BS degrees and delivered in face-to-face classroom modes.  The program stagnated for 5 years.  In 2005 we worked with fisheries and wildlife agencies to provide this degree program to their employees.  Initial discussions indicated that a mix of on-line and video conference delivery methods would work better for their employees.  Improvements in online delivery technologies and flipped classroom pedagogy was timely in assisting us in making the transition.  A number of certificate programs offered within the larger degree program have increase participation.  The program has grown to over 70 students with time to graduation of 3.5 years.  State and federal natural resource agencies have been supportive in allowing their employees to take advantage of these educational opportunities.  One of the unintended consequences of this degree program is that research collaborations among agency employees and instructors in the courses have been enhance.  Lessons and pitfalls in the development of this program will be discussed.