Major in Natural Resources Management

The goal of the Natural Resources Management major is to provide students with a broad-based understanding of the interconnectedness of social, political, and ecological systems. This knowledge will enable students to design sustainable solutions to address natural resource conservation and management problems. Students will learn about natural resource stewardship in both theory and practice, with an eye toward designing systems that are adaptable and resilient in light of the social and ecological complexity and change that characterize today’s challenges. Using an integrative approach, students will learn how to develop local solutions that are sustainable and ethical at larger, global scales. Environmental issues such as land-use change and planning, conservation biology, energy use, climate change, renewable resource management, and citizen engagement in place-based conservation will be addressed. Field measurements and field skills are important components of this major, and students are required to attend a four-week summer field course in ecological investigations and resource management.

Specific objectives are to provide each student with:

1. a science-based core curriculum in biological, physical, and social sciences;
2. a broad foundation in natural resources science and environmental management; and
3. specialization in a subject relevant to natural resources management.

The breadth of the major allows students to specialize in a wide range of topics, including conservation biology, geographic information systems, forest management, rangeland ecology, restoration ecology, natural resource policy, recreation resources, watershed management, wildlife management, or other topics related to natural resources management. This specialization is accomplished by coupling the major with a required minor, typically declared by a student’s junior year.

Students are encouraged to participate in internships and obtain related work experience. Participating in seasonal and voluntary work, internships, and cooperative education opportunities will enhance your chances for permanent full-time employment. The department offers numerous opportunities to become engaged in these kinds of endeavors. At the completion of the program, students should have the technical and communication skills that are critical to resolving important natural resource management problems.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of natural resource topics spanning ecological, social, and physical aspects of wildland ecosystems.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in an area of specialization through completion of a minor in an area complementary to natural resource management. Some minors that students find well-suited to develop a proficiency are: Global Environmental Sustainability, Forestry, Rangeland Ecology, Ecological Restoration, Watershed Science, Conservation Biology, or Environmental Affairs, and many additional options.
3. Be able to apply their broad natural resources knowledge to create sustainable solutions at local, national, and global scales.
4. Accurately communicate their knowledge of natural resources, both verbally and in written form.

Potential Occupations

Opportunities are available with a wide array of local, national, and international organizations and institutions involved in natural resource management. Graduates apply their education in science, technology, social science, and policy to solving today’s critical natural resource and environmental problems. Positions are found with federal, state, and local government agencies, industry, and education and advocacy organizations. Some natural resource professionals are employed in environmental consulting firms and corporate environmental departments. The nonprofit sector provides a variety of environmentally-related jobs, ranging from science application to policy development, education, and collaborative conservation.

Examples of available career choices include, but are not limited to: natural resource manager; professional forester; land use planner; geographic information system (GIS) or remote sensing specialist; fishery/wildlife manager; environmental policy analyst; environmental advocate; environmental consultant; resources/environmental lawyer (with continued education); youth agency administrator; natural resource communications specialist; law enforcement officer; natural resources/environmental educator; restoration specialist; multiple resource use planner; regulatory compliance enforcement officer.

Effective Fall 2024

At least 200 hours of acceptable professional work experience in the student's field prior to graduation is highly recommended.  This can include summer/seasonal/school semester employment in natural resource management through paid summer jobs, an approved internship, volunteer positions, or work study experience.  Acceptable work experience includes (but is not limited to) working for federal, state, non-governmental, private, and university organizations that research or manage natural resources, or are responsible for public policy or public relations related to natural resources. 

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Students must complete the requirements for a minor in any discipline.

At least 200 hours of acceptable professional work experience in the student's field prior to graduation is highly recommended.  This can include summer/seasonal/school semester employment in natural resource management through paid summer jobs, an approved internship, volunteer positions, or work study experience.  Acceptable work experience includes (but is not limited to) working for federal, state, non-governmental, private, and university organizations that research or manage natural resources, or are responsible for public policy or public relations related to natural resources.