- Designed For
- Those interested in Oregon's natural history and how our state’s natural resources are sustainably managed.
- Dates
- Fall
September 25 - December 15, 2017 - Winter
January 22 - April 13, 2018
Registration will open in September - 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 the 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
- What are the differences between the Oregon Master Naturalist online options and Oregon's Natural History?
-
Option 1 of Master Naturalist Online is the full certification. This involves about 40 hours of coursework and 40 hours of volunteering.
Option 2 is only 40 hours of instruction, and there is no volunteering requirement, but participants do not receive certification at the end of the course. Option 2 credits are retroactive, so a participant who has taken Option 2 can complete volunteer hours later and still receive certification.
Oregon’s Natural History is a self-paced course that contains much of the same information as the Oregon Master Naturalist online course, but does not count toward Master Naturalist certification.
- Can Oregon's Natural History count toward a Master Naturalist certificate?
-
No, it cannot. Only Options 1 and 2 count toward a Master Naturalist certification.
- I have finished the course. How do I receive my certificate?
-
Option 1 of Master Naturalist Online is the full certification. This involves about 40 hours of coursework and 40 hours of volunteering. You must complete all 80 hours to receive certification.
Option 2 is only 40 hours of instruction, and there is no volunteering requirement, but participants do not receive certification at the end of the course. Option 2 credits are retroactive, so a participant who has taken Option 2 can complete volunteer hours later and still receive certification.
Oregon’s Natural History is a self-paced course that contains much of the same information as the Oregon Master Naturalist online course, but does not count toward Master Naturalist certification.
- 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 takes 10 weeks to complete. Participants should expect to spend between 6 and 9 hours each week on coursework. The last three weeks are designed to have a lower work load in case participants need to catch up.
- Why does Option 2 cost more than Option 1?
-
Participants of both Option 1 and Option 2 take the same course. The difference between the two options is that those enrolled in Option 1 intend to volunteer and take additional courses in order to become Oregon Master Naturalists. Option 2 costs more than Option 1 because we subsidize the volunteer service paid back by those who become Oregon Master Naturalists.
- 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 learn@oregonstate.edu.
