About the PAMDEP
The Protected Area Management Distance Education Program is a unique, globally significant collaboration between the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, the U.S. Forest Service, and the University of Montana.
The program has three components:
- Developing the foundation necessary to manage reserves and protected areas in the 21st century’s context of complexity and change-led by the UM courses offered in the graduate program;
- Creating understanding of the local and regional context of these issues for participants through collaborations with local and regional agencies; and
- A field-based learning experience-led by a regional organization or agency, or a supporting partner.
Online courses are administered by the University of Montana. Students who complete the program will receive a graduate certificate in Protected Area Management.
View our brochure (.pdf).
PAMDEP faculty


Charles Besancon
Faculty Affiliate, Dept. of Society and Conservation
Faculty Affiliate, Dept. of Society and Conservation

Jenn Thomsen
Assistant professor of Park, Recreation & Tourism Management
jennifer.thomsen@umontana.edu
Assistant professor of Park, Recreation & Tourism Management
jennifer.thomsen@umontana.edu