Combining Wilderness & Civilization with a Major in Resource Conservation

What students say:

"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."

Missoula is ranked by Outside Magazine among the top 15 BEST COLLEGE TOWNS. When it comes to living, learning, working, and playing, Missoula is a great place to be.

The Wilderness and Civilization Program

Explore wildland conservation and the human-nature relationship through an undergraduate field and campus program at the University of Montana

Offering a Minor in Wilderness Studies in just over one semester

Students on the Beartooth Highway taking time out from field studies to play some music in the high country.

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

*Schedule for 2012-2013 Program*
(17 credits fall semester, 3 credits wintersession, 4 credits spring semester)

A Unique Experience

Wilderness and Civilization is an inspiring and demanding academic program. Each year, a small group of students from around the country are immersed in the study of wildland conservation 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 work for positive change.

Program Features
Bob Marshall

Set in the Heart of Wildlands

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

As a center of wilderness activity, Missoula is home to numerous nationally recognized conservation and wilderness organizations, including the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute and the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center, that provide resources for internships, field trips, and student projects.

Wilderness Studies Minor

The Wilderness Studies Minor complements any major. Wilderness and Civilization students major in range of fields including Resource Conservation, English, Biology, Environmental Studies, Art, Journalism, Recreation Management, and Psychology. Within the Resource Conservation major, students can emphasize wilderness studies and count coursework from Wilderness and Civilization toward major requirements. Please contact us if you have any questions about how the program works with different majors.

Wilderness Studies Minor Requirements

birding 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 learning community. Cooperation and collaboration with other students allow 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 RMF
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.

We are still accepting applications for 2012-2013!! Apply now and enjoy a semester of field studies, community engagement, experiential learning, and comraderie!!

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.

Cost
The Wilderness and Civilization program fee is $475 ($400 for the Fall semester; $75 for the Spring semester). This fee covers the extra costs of the program and will be assessed in your tuition bill. Other expenses include all the usual University of Montana tuition and fees. Students are expected to provide their own personal outdoor gear and food.

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