About this Program
The Master of Tribal Resource and Environmental Stewardship is an applied degree designed to meet the professional and leadership needs of tribal natural resources and environmental programs. Students will develop fundamental knowledge and skills for natural resources careers responsive to community needs and aspirations. Those who currently work or aspire to work in natural resources programs in tribal governance and related contexts will benefit from this program's emphasis on integrated approaches to the stewardship and protection of natural resources based upon Indigenous environmental systems and worldviews. The curriculum is based upon the interrelationship of biological, physical, and cultural systems. Required courses address program operations, sustainability, and integrated ecosystems studies. The elective course and the capstone project provide opportunities for personalized areas of focus.
Program delivery is designed to accommodate working professionals and support existing commitments to families and home communities.
Acquired Skills
By the end of the program, you’ll be ready to:
- Make innovative contributions to tribal leadership addressing the pressing concerns of Native nations and peoples
- Demonstrate fundamental skills and applicable knowledge within community-specific contexts for tribal natural resource program management and stewardship
- Analyze and explain the legal, cultural, and political contours of tribal sovereignty and tribal natural resource stewardship
- Apply knowledge and methodological, research and communication skills regarding the biological, chemical and physical processes vital to effective natural resource stewardship
Career Possibilities
- Natural Resource Program Manager
- Agricultural Tribal Liaison
- Director of Natural Resources
- Tribal Environmental Project Manager
- Conservation Ecologist
Admissions and Scholarships
- Wells Fargo American Indian Studies Scholarship awards ten Native American or First Nations students majoring in programs in the Department of American Indian Studies $2,500 scholarships.
- Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) Endowed Scholarship was established in 2008 through a generous gift from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. The SMSC scholarship program is designed to recruit and retain talented American Indian students with demonstrated financial need to the University of Minnesota.
- Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible Minnesota resident students who are of one-fourth or more Indian ancestry and demonstrate financial need for an award
To learn more about these and other available scholarships, visit the American Indian Studies Scholarships page.
Requirements
The MTRES program admits a new cohort of 15 students every fall.
- Preferred undergraduate GPA of 3.00
- A bachelor’s degree*
- Unofficial transcripts or academic records
- Two letters of recommendation
- A personal statement
*Under exceptional circumstances, students may be admitted to MTAG/MTRES without a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution. Applicants will make the case for such special admission in their personal statement. In addition, the admissions committee will consider the applicant’s job history and/or professional experience, any certifications or diplomas earned, and letters of recommendation. Note that at a minimum, applicants must have at least 10 years of significant, relevant experience working with tribal governments or tribal communities. The admissions committee will review all materials and make a recommendation to the Department of American Indian Studies. If approved by both entities, the Department will then request a policy exception from the UMD Graduate School Office, who will make the final decision.
In addition to the general application instructions provided by the Graduate School, visit the MTRES program page for specific application instructions and deadlines related to the program. Also, visit program requirements for additional information.
Faculty Highlights
About Doug Thompson and Jonnelle Walker