- Designed For
- Those interested in Oregon's natural history and how our state’s natural resources are sustainably managed.
- Dates
- Select one:
- Fall: September 23 - December 13, 2019
- Winter: January 21 - April 12, 2020
- Delivery
- Online, instructor-led
- Cost
- Online course: $325.00
- Ecoregion: $250.00
- Units
- The Wildlife Society: 40 Contact Hours in Category I of the Certified Wildlife Biologist Certificate program
- Course Length
- Approximately 40 hours of coursework and 40 hours of volunteering
Introduction
With Oregon Master Naturalist Online, learn about natural history, ecology and natural resource management practices by studying many aspects of Oregon’s environment.
The Oregon Master Naturalist Program provides an opportunity to learn about natural resources through the study of scientifically sound information:
- The natural history of plants
- Animals
- Habitats
- Geology
- The history and processes of landscape change
- And the most relevant topics in present-day sustainable natural resource management
As a part of the program, you get to volunteer for natural resources programs, agencies, organizations, and other groups in their communities.
This research-based course is offered each year in January and September.
Mission
The Mission of the Oregon Master Naturalist Program is to develop a statewide corps of knowledgeable, skilled, and dedicated volunteers who enrich their communities and enhance public awareness of Oregon’s natural resources through conservation education, scientific inquiry, and stewardship activities.
For more information on requirements to become a certified Oregon Master Naturalist, visit the Extension Service Oregon Master Naturalist site.
Terra Magazine
Read about the Oregon Master Naturalist program in the article "Corps of Discovery" from Oregon State University's Terra Magazine, and watch the accompanying video "The Nature of Oregon."
What You'll Learn
- The natural history of plants, animals, habitats and geology.
- The history and processes of landscape change.
- Relevant topics in present-day sustainable natural resource management.
Instructors
Jason O'Brien
Jason O'Brien is the coordinator of the Oregon Master Naturalist Program through OSU Extension Service’s Forestry and Natural Resources Program. He is also a staff member in the OSU College of Forestry’s Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society.
Testimonials
"For me the pace and amount of material presented or made available for additional reading was just right. Jason was on top of things when there was a computer glitch of any kind and promptly answered questions. Overall, I am very satisfied with the course."
"I have already used the watershed portion of the course in my fellowship to help prepare for a presentation. Thanks to Jason and his organization and insightful comments."
"Overall a lot of really great information presented in a way that made it easy to understand. Online courses were straightforward and not overly technical, with avenues to get more technical if interested. In-person courses were well organized and very informative; the speakers for each were excellent."
"I enjoyed the course materials immensely, especially all the added graphics, videos, and interesting additional online resources. I can only compliment the materials and pace of the course."
FAQ Items
- I have finished the online course. How do I receive my certificate?
-
The Master Naturalist Online Course is only part of the process to become a full Oregon State University Extension Master Naturalist. To become a certified Master Naturalist, you much complete the online course, plus one field-based Ecoregion course, then volunteer for natural resources based groups or agencies for a minimum of 40 hours within a year of completing coursework. For more details on becoming a certified OSU Extension Master Naturalist, click here.
- I am enrolled in the course but I am having trouble logging in. What should I do?
-
Please go to BlackBoard support and click on the link on the lower right-hand side of the page titled “Forgot Password?”.
- How long is the Master Naturalist Online course, and how much work should I expect to do each week?
-
The course occurs over a 12-week period. The first eight weeks contain weekly modules, a final exam is available starting in week nine, and the last three weeks are designated as a catch-up period where no new content is presented. Participants should expect to spend roughly 6 hours each week on coursework.
- Do I need to take the online Master Naturalist course before taking any ecoregion courses? How much time will I have after the online course, to complete at least one ecoregion course for certification?
-
The online course is designed to be taken first, as it is the core and introductory curriculum. Because there is no policy that says you have to take the classes in any specific order, you could take the ecoregion specialization course first. There is no time limit between taking the online course and the Ecoregion course.
- How much of my money do I get back if I withdraw from the class?
-
To receive a 100% refund (minus the nonrefundable registration fee) you must send a written request to withdraw seven days before the first day of class. There is no refund for withdrawals on or after the first day of class. All refund requests must be sent to pace@oregonstate.edu.
