Colorado State University, Conservation and Tourism Graduate Programs

The Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources at Colorado State University offers two master’s degrees as a part of the Schools of Service partnership: a Master of Conservation Leadership and a Master of Tourism Management.

The Conservation Leadership program is a master’s degree which prepares practitioners to address complex conservation issues. The program is built around principles of experiential learning, interdisciplinary instruction, and applied approaches. Working closely with a network of practitioners and organizations, this program is a strong option for individuals seeking to make a difference in the lives and ecosystems of our planet. Students enroll in two semesters of on-campus coursework at the CSU campus in Fort Collins, Colorado, during which time they are immersed in numerous conservation issues via field trips, small group projects and traditional academic work. Following the second semester, students complete a four-month off-site capstone project in partnership with a community-based conservation organization. Students can propose their own site and project, or select from a list of pre-determined options (domestic and international).

The Tourism Management program is a master’s degree blending tourism and business with an emphasis in sustainability. The degree provides industry connections, experiential learning opportunities, and content to elevate one’s career in the sectors of nature-based tourism and the outdoor recreation economy. No GRE is required, and the program can be completed in 9 months or on a flexible, customized timeline either on-campus at Fort Collins, Colorado, or completely online.

The department supports individuals such as AmeriCorps alumni who have a commitment to making a difference in our communities. The program commits up to three (3) matching awards for each program of a maximum of $2,500 per student for the duration of the student’s program. Note: the award is applicable only to the Master of Conservation Leadership and the Master of Tourism Management at Colorado State University; it is not applicable or transferable to other CSU academic programs.

Additional financial awards and assistantships are possible based on student merit, as determined from the student’s application. Please view our website at https://warnercnr.colostate.edu/hdnr/ or email the program director at dawson.metcalf@colostate.edu.