Natural Resources Conservation
Overview
Programs in natural resources conservation teach people how to use, improve, and protect natural resources.Natural resources conservation programs include topics such as:
- Environmental science
- Renewable and nonrenewable natural resources
- Biology
- Ecology
- Botany
- Political science
- Economics
- Sociology
- Wildlife, water, and environmental management
Many programs allow students to focus on an area of interest, such as fishery conservation, soil preservation, or forestry management.
Internships
Internships allow students to develop skills at companies or organizations. Some natural resources conservation programs require students to complete an internship.
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in natural resources conservation. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in natural resources conservation. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
Several universities offer graduate degrees in natural resources conservation. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Biometrics and Biostatistics
- Botany
- Conservation Biology
- Ecology
- Environmental Biology
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Studies
- Fisheries Sciences and Management
- Forest Technology
- Forestry
- Hydrology and Water Resources Science
- Natural Resources Policy and Management
- Political Science and Government
- Public Policy Studies
- Range Science and Management
- Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management
- Wildlife Sciences and Management
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Agricultural Scientists
- Biologists
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
- Fish and Game Wardens
- Forestry Technicians
- Natural Sciences Managers
- Park Naturalists
- Science Technicians
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Agriculture Science
- Algebra
- Animal Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Science
- Environmental Science
- General Computer Applications
- Geometry
- Natural Resources Management
- Physical Science
- Trigonometry
- Wildlife Management
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Biology
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Algebra
- Atmospheric Physics
- Botany
- Business Management
- Calculus
- Ecology
- Economics
- Endangered Species
- Equipment Operation
- Fisheries Science
- Forest Science
- Microbiology
- Oceanography
- Political Science
- Recreation Management
- Reforestation
- Resource Management and Conservation
- Safety Practices
- Species Management
- Trigonometry
- Water Resources
- Watershed Hydrology
- Wildlife Science
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate study in natural resources conservation typically includes:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Many programs encourage you to volunteer with local parks, nature organizations, and government environmental agencies.
Internships are available with government agencies and private corporations.
People with degrees in natural resource conservation have many employment options. You can work for government agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency. Or you can work for local, state, and national parks.
Several programs are part of larger forestry management or environmental studies departments.
A background in natural resources conservation is considered good preparation for graduate study in ecology, environmental policy, public administration, and law.
Schools
East Side Area
Walla Walla Community College
- Watershed Management--Environmental & Ecosystems Science
Washington State University - Pullman
- Environmental Science & Ecosystem Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
Wenatchee Valley College
- Natural Resources
King-Snohomish Area
Cascadia College
- Sustainable Practices
Green River College
- Natural Resources--Park Management
- Natural Resources--Pre-Professional
- Natural Resources--Water Quality
University of Washington - Seattle
- Environmental and Forest Sciences--Environmental Science & Resource Management Management
- Environmental and Forest Sciences--Graduate Program
Vancouver Area
Clark College
- Environmental/Resource Science (Transfer)
West Side Area
Northwest Indian College
- Native Environmental Science--Interdisciplinary Concentration Option
Skagit Valley College
- Environmental Conservation
- Environmental Conservation--Aquatic/Terrestrial Emphasis
- Environmental Conservation--Environmental Conservation Studies
- Environmental Conservation--Parks Resource Management
Yakima Area
Heritage University
- Environmental Science--Natural Resource Specialization