Explore wilderness and land ethics through the study of ecology, literature, policy, art, and Native American Studies. Work in the community through internships and service projects that turn knowledge into action. Develop a sense of community and a sense of place through study of local issues with a small group of students. Learn valuable skills in ecological monitoring, plant identification, policy analysis, field journaling, backcountry travel, and public speaking. Engage with conservation advocates, land mangers, tribal leaders, and innovative landowners in the field. Experience some of the wildest country in the lower 48 states.

A Unique Experience
Wilderness and Civilization is an inspiring and demanding two-semester academic program offering students a Wilderness Studies Minor. Each year, a small group of students from around the country are immersed in the study of wildlands and the human nature relationship. Wilderness and Civilization combines the strengths of classroom and field learning, interactive classes, dedicated faculty, and applied learning through internships. Wilderness and Civilization offers students the opportunity to explore contemporary conservation debates, make connections between disciplines and learn how to cooperate to make positive change.

Program Features
Interdisciplinary Coursework / Field Learning / Small Classes / Dedicated Faculty / Community Engagement / Wilderness Trips / Wilderness Studies Minor

For a list of program courses and syllabi see Courses. See the Faculty and Community Engagement pages for further information on course content.

Set in the Heart of Wildlands
The Wilderness and Civilization program is located in the center of some of the wildest country in the lower forty-eight sates. Based at the University of Montana in Missoula, we are surrounded by vast forests and grasslands and millions of acres of still unfragmented lands that support important wildlife habitat and biodiversity.


Wilderness Studies Minor
The Wilderness Studies Minor complements a variety of majors. Wilderness and Civilization students major in Resource Conservation, Environmental Studies, Biology, Geology, Journalism, Psychology, English, and many other fields. Please contact us if you have questions about how the program works with your major.

Wilderness Studies Minor Requirements>>

Small Classes
The program is limited to 25 students, ensuring individualized attention from faculty. Studying, exploring, and working closely together leads to the development of a unique community of learning. Cooperation and collaboration with other students allows a variety of perspectives to influence group learning. The small group enhances student communication, creative problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Honors College Credit
Students may receive Honors College credit for the Wilderness and Civilization program. The program fulfills up to four of the six required courses for students in the Davidson Honors College. For more information contact the Davidson Honors College at 406.243.2541 or the Wilderness Institute.

How To Apply
An application can be downloaded from this site or requested from the Wilderness Institute.

• The program is limited to 25 students and we invite you to apply early.
• Out-of-state students are encouraged to participate through the National Student Exchange Program or apply directly to UM.
• Admission to the University of Montana is required for this program and is a separate process.

Applications are due:
February 15: Early Admission
April 1: General Admission
If spaces remain after general admission, applications are accepted through a rolling admissions process and we will review your application within a week.

Application  / Download Adobe Acrobat

Eligibility
The Wilderness and Civilization application process ensures that program participants are engaged, dedicated, and prepared to take full advantage of this unique learning opportunity. Due to its academic rigor, the program is geared toward sophomore-, junior-, and senior-level students. Students from any major are encouraged to apply; a wilderness studies background is not required. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPS or 3.0 for university coursework.

If you are interested in exclusively field based courses please consider the Wild Rockies Field Institute.

Wilderness Institute
College of Forestry and Conservation
The University of Montana
Missoula, Montana 59812
Tel: (406)243-5361; E-mail: wi@forestry.umt.edu

Offering a

Wilderness Studies Minor

Comments by Wilderness and Civilization Students

"I will never look at the world the same again."

"I have never learned so much in one year of college. The classes were intense and very challenging and forced me to think about things from so many perspectives and to create my own values about them."

"I am a better learner, teacher, and human because of it."

"Wilderness and Civilization has been life changing; I’ve never felt so alive, open to change and aware."

"The program is intense, captivating, amazing, community-filled. A once in a lifetime experience. A rollercoaster of an education where you are the driver. The most incredible educational experience I’ve ever had, and will continue to have, as it will stay with me forever."

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