The Protected Area Management Distance Education Program is a unique, globally significant collaboration between the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, the U.S. Forest Service, and the University of Montana. 

The program has three components:

1. Developing the foundation necessary to manage reserves and protected areas in the 21^st century’s context of complexity and change-led by the UM courses offered in the graduate program;
2. Creating understanding of the local and regional context of these issues for participants through collaborations with local and regional agencies; and
3. A field-based learning experience-led by a regional organization or agency, or a supporting partner.

Online courses are administered by the University of Montana. Students who complete the program will receive a graduate certificate in Protected Area Management.