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What is Natural Resources and Conservation?

Natural Resources and Conservation is a field of study focused on the management of Earth’s natural resources (land, air, water, soil, animals, plants) with a keen eye towards quality of life for current and future generations.  Conservationists and natural resource managers are trained to study and analyze natural resources along with the prudent use of each.  Major components of natural resource analysis include the chemical, biological, radiological, and physical components.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$60,610

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

38.85%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

36,500

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Natural Resources and Conservation Degree

The University of California-Berkeley's Conservation and Resource Studies is an individualized interdisciplinary program designed for students interested in the field. Offering flexible, individualized educational approach to understanding the structure and dynamic functions of complex environmental systems within the society and biosphere. Students draw on the course offerings of the entire campus, they can tap into the topic sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, and humanities. The curriculum shares a demonstrable commitment to gaining a truly interdisciplinary education.

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

The University of California-Davis' Natural Resource Management degree is geared towards those who are interested in working in policy-oriented roles in environmental affairs. The program has a strong social science focus. It assumes that most environmental problems are caused by mistakes in human behavior. With the better scientific information that the program offer it is but one of the many factors affecting the student's ability to solve environmental problems. Typical career tracks include working for federal, state or local natural resources agencies, environmental consulting firms, governmental liaison offices corporations, or non-profit organizations addressing environmental issues.

Acceptance Rate

38.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

SUNY at Binghamton's Environmental Science BS and Environmental Studies BA (BS, BA) seeks to prepare each student for life as a citizen and as a leader. They are equipped to understand and address the complex natural resources and environmental challenges facing the communities, nations, and planet. Graduates will be able to tackle environmental and societal concerns in four critical areas. Critical thinking skills, fundamental knowledge, Methodological training, and Communication abilities are the different areas the program is deeply focused on. Students who pursue the program may specialize in ecosystems, earth systems, economic, or sustainability systems.

Acceptance Rate

40.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The University of Washington-Seattle Campus' Environmental Science and Resource Management provides students knowledge about natural and human-dominated landscapes and how to apply this knowledge to real-world problems. Students apply chemical sciences and engineering to manufacturing fiber products, fuels, and chemicals from biomass resources. Their graduate degree offers a number of different paths that prepare students for careers from academia to public agencies, the private sector to nonprofit organizations. The institution also partners with other programs within the university to offer two concurrent degrees.

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities' Natural Resources Science and Management Graduate program is among the top-ranked programs of its kind in the United States.  Providing outstanding teaching and research that develop scholars, pioneers in science, and the professional leaders needed to manage natural resources and protect the environment. The student body represents a wide variety of educational backgrounds, geographic origins, and career objectives. Graduates play leadership roles in industry, public agencies, research, and education.

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

SUNY College of Conservation Science and Forestry's Department of Sustainable Resources Management provides students an advanced understanding of current environmental issues through cutting-edge research and training. Students work closely with faculty recognized by the students and peers as among the best in the world. The program addresses different issues both locally and nationally, across a range of scales through both applied and fundamental research, technology transfer, and teaching. The faculty is comprised of distinguished professors and award-winning instructors that guide students in the field.

Acceptance Rate

69.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Juniata College's Wildlife Conservation is designed to provide students with both practical skills and the theoretical knowledge necessary to work as a professional in the field. Students have the option of selecting from a variety of courses offered in the college, including wildlife biology and management, zoology, natural resources, botany, chemistry, and mathematics. Recognizing professional credentials through a certification process. The institution offers all of the courses required for certification as an Associate Wildlife Biologist.

Acceptance Rate

70.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The University of New Hampshire's degree in Natural Resources and the Environment integrates the applied social sciences and natural resources sciences, enabling a more holistic, integrated approach to education, research, and outreach about the use and conservation of resources. The program is one of only four accredited undergraduate forestry programs in New England. The Forestry program met the standard which are the forestry program, mission, Goals, and Objectives; curriculum; Forestry Program Organization and Administration; faculty; students; and Parent Institution Support. It is a professional degree accredited by the Society of American Foresters.

Acceptance Rate

84.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Upper Iowa University's Conservation Management allows students to combine a satisfying work experience with their love of nature. Preparing them for rewarding jobs in natural resources management, park maintenance and enforcement, ecological fieldwork, and natural areas improvement. The program is widely respected with strong graduate placement. The faculty are experts with real-world experience in wildlife, forestry, plant, and environmental sciences.

Acceptance Rate

51.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Northland College's Natural Resources students work closely with faculty who will immerse them in the wildlife. They acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate effectively, manage resources, and solve problems. Classes are small enough for in-depth field activities, data analysis, and group projects. Graduates go on to do the coolest stuff, from mitigating environmental impacts of climate change in Antarctica to managing fires out west to studying sharks in South Africa, and everything in between.

Acceptance Rate

66.5

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The University of Missouri-Columbia's major in Natural Resource and Management create, manage, conserve, and restore natural and urban ecosystems sustainability. Students apply what they learn to conserve plant and animal species in forests, grasslands, rivers, streams, and urban areas. Offering studies in biological, physical, social, political, and managerial sciences. A wide array of opportunities showcase the College's signature research, education, and outreach programs that provide experience for their students. Graduates go on to pursue a career as a fisheries biologist, community forester, interpretive naturalist, just to name a few.             

Acceptance Rate

80.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science's Park and Conservation Management trains students on how to effectively strike a balance in a place where students, faculty, and staff share a deep connection to the natural world. Managing spaces such as public parks, planned neighborhoods, natural resources, and recreational facilities require a broad skillset and sensitive approach. Graduates will be able to employ best practices in natural resources conservation and stewardship. They develop and implement management plans that employ ethical considerations, leadership models, motivation techniques team leadership, and self-managed team concepts.

Acceptance Rate

69.81

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Muskingum University's Environmental Science and Natural Resources course allows students to explore solutions to environmental problems through courses in the biological, chemical, geological, and social sciences. This foundation to an array of issues that impact the world prepares students to tackle complex local and global problems through a curriculum that can be tailored specifically to their interests. Providing flexibility to gain in-depth proficiency in the field of specialization of the students' choice. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment and/or graduate studies in the analysis and mitigation of environmental problems.

Acceptance Rate

80.62

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Central Washington University's Cultural and Natural Resource Management degree is an interdisciplinary, resource management curriculum drawing from Geography and Anthropology, as well as Biology, Economics, History, Philosophy, and Political Science. Understanding the multiplicity of resource issues is critically important to making defensible decisions at all levels. Students take a common core of coursework, linking cultural and natural resources, as they pursue their more specialized interests. The program's objectives include further qualifying students for management positions in resource fields and promoting wiser and more effective management of resources in the future.

Acceptance Rate

84.92

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

California State University-Stanislaus' Ecology and Sustainability M.S. students gain the knowledge and skills to prepare them for a successful career in fields that contribute solutions to environmental and sustainability issues. Focusing on the importance of ecology and conservation with respect to ecosystem health and is appropriate for students who wish to pursue careers working in various areas related to the field. The institution offers comprehensive training and instruction that prepares students in landing a secure job in the future. They are equipped with essential information that they can utilize in the future.

Acceptance Rate

89.29

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville's School of Agriculture offers Bachelor of Science degrees. Offering a diverse selection of clubs and organizations, as well as several nationally competing teams, opportunities to apply classroom theories to on-campus science laboratories, a greenhouse, 430-acre university farm, and a robust internship program. The program leverages the institution's strengths, agriculture, and the physical sciences and allows students to learn practical skills through service-learning projects and research. Reclamation is the practice of restoration and resource management of lands disturbed in the process of utilizing the earth's natural resources which makes it a distinct profession.        

Acceptance Rate

84.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Kansas State University's Park Management and Conservation curriculum prepare students for careers as professionals in a variety of natural resource management agencies and organizations. The program is deeply committed to providing the highest level of professional training in meeting these challenges. Wise management of the nation's recreational and natural resources results in significant ecological, medical, economic, and cultural benefits to the citizenry and their guests.  Graduates are employed as park managers, rangers, conservation officers, planners, naturalists, agencies, and unit directors.

Acceptance Rate

95.37

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Established in 1906, SUNY Canton started as the first post-secondary, two-year college in New York until it was designated as the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Technology at Canton. The population of this college is demographically diverse with international students from different countries. Such diversity fosters a unique academic and cultural learning experience for the students.

The campus is situated in semi-rural area near the Grasse River and downtown Canton occupying a 555-acre land comprised of twenty buildings with specialized labs, residential facilities and various college centers. Several athletic facilities such as the ice arena, lap pool, field house, fitness center, turf field and running trails can also be found on this campus.

As preparation for professional career or higher educational pursuit, SUNY Canton offers 23 Bachelor's degrees, 22 Associates degrees and 7 one-year professional certificate programs. These programs fall into any of the three distinct schools: Canino School of Engineering Technology; School of Business and Liberal Arts; and School of Health, Science and Criminal Justice. Eight Bachelor’s degrees and 190 courses are offered online.

SUNY Canton utilizes a ladder curriculum for all its academic programs to allow students to gain initial credits for a four-year baccalaureate degree. Through the Associated Colleges agreement, students can transfer to Clarkson University, St. Lawrence University and SUNY Potsdam. 

This college is active in athletics and many of its students are involved in sports but apart from athletics, SUNY Canton students can also participate in other recreational activities and organizational projects. They may also opt to join numerous organizations and clubs that fit their personality and interest.

Admissions http://www.canton.edu/admissions/

Academics http://www.canton.edu/academics/

Acceptance Rate

84.62

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Morrisville State College's Natural Resources Conservation provides the training for the well-grounded natural resources technician. The program provides further direct hands-on education and specialization within the field. The strong technical curriculum includes diverse courses in aquatic life, biology, botany, forestry, soil science, surveying, wildlife, and much more. Graduates work in parks, forestry, arboriculture, fisheries, and wildlife management as conservation officers, forestry technicians, forest rangers, environmental consultants, and in many related fields.   

Acceptance Rate

74.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of Montana's Resource Conservation students gain the knowledge and skills to tackle a diversity of natural resource and conservation challenges. Integrating classroom learning with hands-on field experiences and internships to prepare students for a range of conservation professions. They develop a foundation in conservation science and then focus on the issues and topics they are more passionate about. Students can emphasize climate and environmental change and other concerns related to the field.

Acceptance Rate

93.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Champlain Valley Technical Education and Career Center’s Natural Resources Management degree program is an exceptional program.  In fact, the degree moved into the top programs in the country this year in our study given the quality curriculum and above-average outcomes for students enrolled in the program.  Students enrolled in the degree program will learn topics including forestry, environmental science, and construction management.  The hands-on, active learning modality allow students to learn by doing. 

Acceptance Rate

27.88

Tuition

$10,607 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

2:1

Pennsylvania State University's Environmental Resource Management major provides a hands-on and science approach to protecting the environment. Students utilize this program to work for natural resource consulting firms, corporate sustainability, government agencies, just to name a few. The length and breadth of opportunities to supplement and specialize in their major are as massive as Penn State itself. The institution's important classrooms are the nearby forests, fields, and waterways where students can apply science to restore streams, safeguard forests, heal the Chesapeake Bay, understand and mitigate the effects of climate change, and more.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Snow College's Natural Resources major is a field-based program that immerses students in the different types of natural resources. The program works closely with local natural resources companies and divisions in order to give students real-world experience through projects, training, and certifications. This emphasis sets their graduates up to be highly attractive to employers and transfer institutions. Graduates are equipped with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the field.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Lindsey Wilson College's Sustainability and Environmental Studies prepare students for work, advanced study, and citizenship by engaging them in project-based education enhanced by community partnerships and focused on energy sustainability and natural resource applications. The program addresses not only the college mission statement but also addresses the social principles of The United Methodist Church. The targeted General Education courses will educate students, on the broader impacts of sustainability and energy. These broader impacts will help future leaders more fully to consider future choices on the direction of state and national energy technologies, policies, and use.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Murray State College's Wildlife and Conservation Biology provide students with the knowledge and skills required to become effective natural resource professionals. They aim to use the knowledge and skills they acquire to aid in the management and conservation of natural resources. Upon completing the program, students will be prepared for careers in managing wildlife on federal, state, and private lands as wildlife biologists, work with non-profit organizations or zoos to conserve wildlife, just to name a few. This program will help students decide their careers and what track they should choose.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

What Do Conservation Specialists Do?

Conservation specialists are charged with analyzing how industry and employers across various sectors of the economy utilize resources and enhance the efficient use of resources. Professionals help companies create more socially responsible technologies and environmentally sustainable services.

In addition, natural resource managers provide a litany of education opportunities to all stakeholders. Conservationists of all backgrounds and specializations work at the intersection of social, cultural, economic and environmental concerns. The Economist calls this confluence the Triple Bottom Line which melds people and profits with the plant.

Top Natural Resources & Conservation Degrees

Conservation in an interdisciplinary field of study that has rapidly vaulted into the international scene.  The global crisis confronting us will require a number of thoughtful and educated individuals to steer us towards viable long-term solutions.

Professionals in the field of conservation utilize prudent practices to encourage the maintenance and sustainable management of landscapes, organisms, natural systems, ecological processes, and cultural systems.  By blending policy with science and values, a natural resource manager will help properly shape the future.

Natural Resources & Conservation Bachelor Degrees

Bachelor degrees in the field of conservation can be conferred as either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS).  How a degree is conferred by an accredited college or university is a function of the program’s emphasis and overall curricular design.  On-site and online bachelor degrees can be earned in four-years’ time, on average.  Some schools do provide pathways for an accelerated degree which can condense the average time to complete a degree at this level.

Students can expect to take a number of general education courses in conjunction with core classes.  By melding liberal arts education with science-based classes, students will develop greater analytical skills and holistic analysis tools to help benefit their long-term success.

Core conservation classes will vary from school to school.  However, you can expect an array of similar classes across institutions that include the following courses:

Principles of Sustainability Pollution and Protection
Contemporary Conservation Issues Energy and the Environment
Environmental Awareness Sustainable Living
Biodiversity Environment and Society
Environmental Biology Biostatistics
Forest Ecology Landscape Ecology
General Ecology Wildlife Ecology
Environmental Science Aquatic Ecosystems
Agroecology Wetland Ecology and Management
Geology and the Environment

 

Natural Resources & Conservation Master Degrees

Qualified students of a graduate degree program in natural resources and conservation will typically be charged with following an existing path or customizing coursework they find most interesting.  Areas of specialization can include Wetland Ecology, Wildlife Policy, Forest Management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Systems Thinking, Sustainable Living, Quantitative Ecology, and Environmental Economics to name a few.

Graduate students will find degrees conferred as a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA).   Programs will take two to three-years to complete based on full-time study.  Students successfully completing a master’s degree in conservation will be prepared to launch a career in a number of industries or continue their academics in a PhD program in an adjacent field of study.

Conservation Educational Requirements

Conservation and natural resource management degree programs can be quite diverse. Most conservation degrees will blend science-based classes and social sciences. The overlap between programs will help paint a picture of classes you can expect to take while in college. The following classes help conservationists to better understand resources within the nexus of: biological indicators, human consumption, industrial usage, chemical analysis, water quality, real-time monitoring, physical composition, chemical indicators, forestry, biodiversity, agriculture, environmental management, fishing, mining, and tourism.

Employment & Conservation Specializations

Conservation degree programs provide students with skills and knowledge to assess, organize, and solve for various issues. Students interested in expanding their horizons beyond the conservation specialization may be interested in careers with similar emphasis. Vocational options for natural resource managers can include any number of the following: environmental engineer, civil engineer, geoscientist, conservation scientist, landscape architect, urban planner, surveyor, environmental scientist, mathematician, hydrologist, meteorologist, and physicist.

Conservation Jobs & Career Outlook

Conservation jobs are projected to grow at a pace on par with the U.S. economy over the next ten years. The BLS estimates an estimated 2,000 new jobs will be created during this time growing at a 6% clip. Similarly, hydrologists are on pace to grow 7% and environmental scientists by 12%.

Median annual income for conservation scientists is $61,480 or $29.56 an hour. States paying conservation scientists the highest wage are Alaska, New Jersey, and Connecticut all averaging above $80,000 per year. The largest employers of conservation scientists are the federal government, state government, social advocacy groups, universities, and local government agencies.

Natural Resources & Conservation Careers

For students considering a future in conservation, it is important to think through the career possibilities after graduation.  The list of vocational possibilities is immense in the field of sustainability and conservation.  The list below, while not exhaustive, provides students with a litany of career paths to consider.  The list of possible career paths in natural resource management include:

Ecologist Wetland Specialist Director Sustainability
Conservation Data Specialist Air Quality Forecaster Marine Biologist
Environmental Attorney Aquarist Hydrographic Surveyor
Forest Ranger Sustainability Specialist Landscape Architect
Marine Conservationist Watershed Manager Ecotourism Guide
Preserve Manager Aquatic Biologist Energy Manager
Turf Scientist Biofuel Production Operator Geoscientist
Water Resource Engineer Soil Conservation Technician Petrologist
Natural Resource Manager Nuclear Engineer Environmental PR Specialist
Field Biologist Petroleum Engineer Geophysical Engineer
Agroforester Solar Engineer Sustainability Coordinator
Watershed Science Technician Chemical Engineer Wind Energy Engineer
Additional Resources in Natural Resource Management

Professionals, educators, and students seeking additional information in natural resource management can connect with associations and organizations to learn more.  Learning opportunities, membership benefits, continuing education, and leading-edge research are common reasons to join an association.  Below are agencies and associations that may be of benefit for students and professionals in the industry:

  • National Preservations Institute (NPI)
  • International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP)
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
  • Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP)
  • Sustainability Management Association (SMA)

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