The goal of the natural resources management major is to provide students with a broad-based understanding of the use and management of natural resources.  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, natural resource policy, recreation resources, watershed management, wildlife mangement or other topics related to natural resource management.

Natural Resources Management Major . . . checksheet  

Specific objectives of the Natural Resources Management Major 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 management; 3) specialization in a subject relevant to natural resources management. 

The student and his/her advisor will use the student's own goals and objectives to design an academic program. As part of the program, the student must select a minor area of study from nearly 60 approved university minors, or choose an interdisciplinary studies program in conservation biology, water resources, or criminal justice. NOTE: Students in the NRM major are required to select a minor or an interdisciplinary studies program.

The first year, students are expected to complete most of the undergraduate core curriculum as well as courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. The second year, students develop the initial foundation in natural resources through courses in ecology, ecogeography, geology microeconomics, soils and statistics.

The beginning of the third year, students must declare a minor. Required courses in the thrid year complete much of the core curriculum in teh different disciplines that make up the major; these include courses in natural resources policy, forest ecology, vegetation management, remote sensing and geographic information systems, and technical writing. the fourth year, students are required to complete their minor and take the final set of courses in public relations, natural resource sampling, and the capstone course in integrated ecosystem management.

Upon graduation students will:

• Accurately communicate their knowledge of natural resources, both verbally and in written form.
• Demonstrate learning of subject areas outside their major study focus, including but not restricted to principles/issues in wildlife, water, recreation, wilderness, soil, range, and fishery resources. Students will also demonstrate knowledge of social science analytic techniques.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of subject areas relevant to the major fields of study in natural resources management.

Summer field experience with private and public organizations will further the student's overall learning experience, as will the four-week summer course at our mountain campus, Pingree Park. In general, the Natural Resources Management major gives students the educational foundation to address the complex issues of our changing society.  

Summer Field Experience

All undergraduate students in Natural Resource Management are required to complete one summer of acceptable field experience prior to graduation. The student's advisor must approve a proposed field experience. This requirement may be met through summer employment in natural resources management, through an approved internship, or through volunteer work with a land management agency or non-governmental agency. Warner College of Natural Resources employs a career counselor who provides assistance for students seeking summer or seasonal work as well those seeking career positions.

Career Opportunities

Graduates apply their education in science, technology and the social sciences to solve today's most critical natural resource and environmental problems. The NRM degree will allow students to choose from a variety of interesting and exciting careers. Graduates will be able to qualify as professional foresters and work with traditional national and international resource organizations. They can also pursue employment in fields such as land use planning, computer technology, law, real estate management, youth agency administration, natural resource communications, mining reclamation, business, law enforcement, or conservation biology.

In general, competition in the field is quite intense while some positions require a graduate degree. Participating in seasonal and voluntary work, internships and cooperative education opprotunities will enhance your chances for permanent full-time employment. The summer field experience and summer at Pingree Park help to make graduates competitive candidates.

Warner College of Natural Resources maintains a Career Office available to students.