Graduate Certificate in Natural Resources (GCNR) Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Natural Resources (GCNR) is a good option for professionals seeking credentials in environmental and natural resource management, graduate students in another discipline looking to formalize their knowledge and training in an environmental field, and potential MNR degree students interested in exploring the coursework and earning graduate credits before making a decision.

All courses for this 12 credit hour program are offered online to accommodate busy schedules. Our catalog of courses allows you to focus on your interests, from biodiversity to climate change, green infrastructure to urban ecology, and more.

For more information, click here to access our website.

How to Apply:
Fill out the online application for participation in the certificate program.

Upon processing of the application, you will be contacted
with information about the submission of additional
required materials. Thank you for your interest.

GCNR Admission Requirements

Students can apply for the GCNR as a degree-seeking student, non-degree-seeking (Commonwealth Campus) student, or visiting student. If you are not currently a VT student or a graduate student at another institution (visiting student status), you must apply for graduate admission through the Virginia Tech Graduate School as a Graduate Certificate status applicant. Requirements for admission include:

Completed undergraduate degree
2-3 Letters of Recommendation
Current resume/CV
Personal goal statement
Completed application
No GRE required; TOEFL may be required for international students

GCNR Requirements

The GCNR can be completed in a single academic term or over the course of several semesters. Many GCNR students go on to complete a Master of Natural Resources degree. All NR courses are offered online for three credits unless otherwise noted.

Required coursework:

NR 5724 Conservation Ecology - 3 hours
NR Elective - 3 hours
NR Elective - 3 hours
NR Elective - 3 hours