The Master's Degree program in Natural Resources Management and Production Technologies provides students with the most modern management tools and production technologies for the management of natural resources.

The Program is aimed at professionals who hold at least a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Agriculture (Agronomy, Agricultural, Zootechnics), Agricultural Administration, Agribusiness, Forestry, Agricultural Sciences, and the area of ​​Natural Resources in general, who wish to complement and deepen their previous training.

This Program is especially notable for bringing together the best of the capabilities of five TEC Schools with extensive experience in natural resource management:

Other data of interest

Schedule for classroom sessions: Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 md., and from 1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The courses are taught in a quarterly (3-month) format.

Important Dates

  • Reception of admission applications: April 20 to July 15, 2020.
  • Regular enrollment: July 17, 2020.
  • Extraordinary enrollment: July 20, 2020.
  • Beginning of the school year: July 25, 2020.

Perfil profesional

Graduates of the Master’s program in Natural Resources Management and Production Technologies will:

  • Understand and apply concepts from economics and administration that allow them to evaluate, plan, propose solutions, execute and direct projects and activities that promote sustainable development.
  • Have solid theoretical and practical training in natural sciences so that they can understand, interpret, transform and transfer technological development sustainably using a systemic approach.
  • Have the capacity to use the the knowledge and skills they have acquired to promote productive and sustainable natural resources conservation systems.
  • Have skills and abilities that allow them to take risks, promote teamwork, take the initiative, prepare for change, and respect gender and pluralism in the productive and natural resource management systems in which they are involved.
  • Be able to organize and train rural productive sectors, acting as agents for change and innovation, and promote community self-development.
  • Generate, apply and transfer improved technologies and methodologies adapted to various conditions that will optimize the use of available resources.

Requisitos

The requirements for being admitted to the Master's Program are:

  • Have a university degree (bachelor's or licentiate’s), in agriculture, biology, forestry or other related areas.
  • The degree must be issued by an institution of higher education that is duly recognized by higher educational authorities in the country of origin.
  • Submit a formal application letter to enroll in the program, indicating your interest in participating.
  • Provide information on the means of financing that you will use or plan to use.
  • Submission of documents confirming your proficiency in English, or in Spanish if it is not your native language. Otherwise, certify your proficiency in another language through an official affidavit.

Facilidades

Research Centers involved in postgraduate work:

Laboratories:

  • Agribusiness School laboratories
  • Forestry School laboratories
  • Agricultural School laboratories
  • Agronomy School laboratories

Invesment

Program Cost

For 2020, a cost of ¢65,000.00 per credit has been approved. In addition, a single annual payment must be made to cover enrollment, student welfare, a student ID card and a student health insurance policy established by the TEC. As a reference point, in 2019 the annual payment for these items was ₡70,000.00; an approximate increase of 5% is expected for 2020.

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Admisión

  • Complete the Admission Application form.
  • Submit two letters of reference from established professionals.
  • Provide a certified transcript of courses and grades obtained at the University of origin, including a weighted grade point average.
  • Submit a curriculum vitae.
  • Provide originals and copies of university degrees obtained.
  • Photocopy of personal identification card, passport or residence card, if you are not a Costa Rican citizen.

Differentiator elements

As a special feature, the program is oriented towards learning in three specific areas:

Conservation and sustainable development of natural resources

This area is based on the study and application of biological, ecological, economic and social principles of agricultural, forestry and biotechnological production and natural resources in traditional and non-traditional productive activities, including alternative sustainable production activities.

Sustainable management of agricultural, biotechnology and forestry production

There is also a focus on the study and application of principles and methods of management in agricultural, biotechnological and forestry production activities, in an environment oriented towards commercial opening, competitiveness and sustainability of productive activities.

Strategic planning applied to the conservation and sustainable production of natural resources

An emphasis is also placed developing the capacity to access and manage information using new technologies, and to use this information in the development of innovative processes. The important principle of this master's program includes the management of information based on ethical, moral principles in keeping with the bioethical management of information and technology.

Criterios de selección

The Academic Management Committee will evaluate applications and other required documentation, and determine who will be admitted to the program based on:

  • Applicant’s position and his or her academic degree.
  • Professional experience.
  • The reasons for which applicants wish to participate in the program.
  • Possibilities of financing participation in the program.

Study plan

Quarter Course  Credits
I

Administration and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources

Statistical Inference 

4

4
II

Natural Resource Management

Sustainability and Development of Natural and Productive Systems

4

4
III

Project Design and Evaluation

Geographical Information Systems

4

4
IV     

Project Management

Innovation in Production and Conservation

4

4
V

Elective 1

Elective 2

4

4
VI

Graduation Project I

Elective 3

6

4
VII

Elective 4

 4
VIII

Graduation Project II

 6
  Total credits 60

Elective courses: Courses that will be offered at the discretion of the master's degree program based on national and international trends. These courses will be constantly modified to meet the objective of keeping the program updated.

List of Elective Courses

Listed below are some of the current elective courses of the Master’s Degree program in Natural Resources Management and Production Technologies. It is important to remember that the list of courses may change through time.

  • Sustainable rural development
  • Biotech crop management
  • Environmental management systems
  • River basin management
  • Soil management and conservation
  • Crop management in protected environments
  • Groundwater
  • Soils and plowing
  • Microorganism reproduction techniques
  • Carbon footprint measurement and offsetting
  • Techniques for identification and assessment of environmental damage
  • Strategic management of natural resources

Other elective courses will be incorporated depending on the characteristics of student groups.