Wilderness and Civilization
- Experience the ecology, land management, and natural and human history of some of the most beautiful landscapes in the lower 48.
- Examine human-wilderness relationships through study in policy, ecology, arts, and literature.
- Develop backcountry travel and field work skills – become an asset on a field crew or expedition
- Explore Montana's wildlands during a weeklong backpacking trip, a multi-day river trip, and 1-2 day field trips.
- Build community in a cohort of 25 students, ensuring close interaction with faculty and peers.
- Earn a minor in Wilderness Studies.
Our 18-credit suite of coursework fulfills the following:
- 3 separate UM Gen Ed requirements (L-Literary and Artistic Studies; N – Natural Sciences, and A-Expressive Arts)
- Franke Global Leadership Initiative “Beyond the Classroom” experience
- 8 credits towards DHC Honors elective requirements OR DHC Experiential Learning requirement
- 8 total upper-division credits
Courses
- NRSM 373: Wilderness and Civilization (Honors), 2 credits
- NRSM 271N: Conservation Ecology (Honors), 3 credits
- LIT 280L: Ecology of Literature (Honors), 3 credits
- ARTZ 314A: Environmental Drawing, 3 credits
- NRSM 273: Wilderness & Civilization Field Studies, 4 credits
- NRSM 345: Watershed Dynamics and Management Issues, 3 credits
Total: 18 credits for the semester
- All coursework for the minor must be completed in its entirety during a single fall semester. Unlike other minors, Wilderness & Civilization cannot be completed by taking a course or two each semester.
- Program fee for the entire semester is $850 in addition to standard UM tuition. This charge helps to cover the cost of transportation and outfitting fees associated with our many field trips. See our scholarship page for application instructions for our program-specific funding.
Scholarships
The Wilderness Institute offers several scholarships specifically for Wilderness and Civilization students. You apply for these scholarships through the University’s scholarships portal. Carefully read through our Scholarships page for application instructions for each of our scholarship opportunities.
Program Expectations
Wilderness and Civilization is an immersive, field-based program built around hands-on learning and shared experiences. Because much of the learning takes place in small groups, the program depends on active participation. Regular attendance in classes, field trips, labs, and overnight expeditions is essential. Students who cannot consistently participate in these required activities may not be able to successfully complete the program.
The program also requires a significant time commitment. An 18-credit semester typically represents about 45 hours per week of combined class time, fieldwork, and coursework. Wilderness and Civilization often requires additional time because students participate in seven overnight field trips during the 15-week semester, ranging from 2 to 10 days in length.
Many students successfully balance the program with part-time jobs and extracurricular activities. However, students often find it difficult to keep up with academic responsibilities when working more than 10–15 hours per week. If you plan to work during the semester, we encourage you to discuss the program schedule with your employer and create a manageable work plan.
To help students plan, we develop a draft schedule for each fall program by the end of the preceding spring semester. While occasional changes to field trip dates are sometimes necessary, the dates for the program's 10-day fall expedition are finalized by mid-spring.
How to Apply
We accept applications on a rolling basis until the program fills, usually by mid-April. This means each application will be reviewed on its own merits as it arrives. Students are encouraged to apply early and may apply a full year or two in advance to secure a space and to facilitate academic planning.
We accept applications from all UM and NSE students, regardless of your major.
The program admits sophomores, juniors, and seniors with an average GPA of 3.0 or greater in the last academic year. Students who are admitted to the program will need to maintain their 3.0 GPA in order to retain their admitted status. That said, we consider every aspect of a student’s application, especially the personal interview and academic references.
Out-of-state students may participate through the National Student Exchange Program (NSE). NSE students should apply to Wilderness and Civilization first and, if accepted, will then apply to the University of Montana.
