Commonly Asked Questions
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You must have an undergraduate degree, but any major can work. Wilderness is an interdisciplinary field and professionals vary greatly in background.
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Yes, the credits are standard graduate credits from the University of Montana. HOWEVER, as with all credit transfers, it is up to your institution how they count these credits. They may not count towards your specific degree. Contact your institution about how you'd like to use this transfer. UM's graduate school is always happy to answer any questions from your institution.
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No, WMDEP is a self-support program offering an advanced professional credential, so federal financial aid does not apply.
However, AmeriCorps awards can be used for the program. Private scholarships may also apply, but you will need to check with UM's Graduate School.
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Absolutely. You may use the AmeriCorps Award for the tuition, books, and the recording fee. Many past students got into this field by working in wilderness with AmeriCorps.
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No. These courses can be completed at your own pace. While you can set the pace, you are not alone. Part of each course involves meetings with your professor to discuss your progress and help you with your research and writing.
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Students can enroll in multiple courses at the same time. NRSM 560, 561, and PTRM 562 can be taken in any order, including concurrently, but NRSM 563 serves as a capstone and cannot be taken until the other three courses have been completed. If you are working full-time then we recommend taking only one or two courses at a time.
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Of course. You will receive normal enrollment paperwork, the same as any graduate student at UM. If your work needs anything more specific about the program, we can certainly provide it.