This graduate program combines a strong social science faculty with a strong biological and ecological science faculty and so provides an unusual opportunity to focus on the interface of social science and ecology. The FES graduate program provides specific disciplinary opportunities in both ecological and social sciences in the natural resource setting but also strives to develop interdisciplinary skills and knowledge. Our program objective is to develop interdisciplinary thinkers, highly capable scientists, and natural resource leaders who are prepared to solve complex socio-ecological problems. The students will be able to identify and contribute to collaborative solutions in ecology and natural resources-related social science.