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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 Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, 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 Scholarships page for application instructions for our program-specific scholarship opportunities.

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Program Expectations

Wilderness and Civilization is an immersive experiential program that engages Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ in hands-on field learning. Our intensive, small group setting allows instructors and Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to share knowledge in ways not possible in lecture-based courses. Regular attendance and participation in class, field trips, and labs, are required for success. Students for whom consistent attendance is a challenge may not be able to complete the program.

Successful completion of the program also requires a large time commitment. A standard 18-credit course load equates to 45 hours per week of combined class/field trip time and homework. The time expectation for Wilderness and Civ is even higher, given that Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ take 7 overnight trips during the 15-week semester, ranging from 2-10 days long. Most Wilderness and Civ Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ balance a part-time job and other extra-curricular activities while participating in the program. However, most Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ struggle to meet their academic obligations when their work schedule exceeds 10-15 hours per week. Communicate with your employer to create a reasonable work schedule for yourself.

We develop a draft schedule for each fall’s program by the end of the spring semester to help Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ plan ahead for work and life commitments. While last minute changes to our various overnight field trips aren’t uncommon, the dates for the 10-day fall trek are finalized by mid-spring so you can feel confident planning around that experience.

How to Apply

The Wilderness and Civilization Program accepts 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 Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, 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 Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ may participate through the National Student Exchange Program (NSE). NSE Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ should apply to Wilderness and Civilization first and, if accepted, will then apply to the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥.