What is Natural Resources and Conservation?
Students who major in Natural Resources and Conservation learn about the plants and animals that live in specific habitats and how to protect them. They also learn about how to manage lands and resources so that people can continue to enjoy them safely and sustainably. Be aware that many similar programs exist under slightly different names.
Is Natural Resources and Conservation a Good Major / Degree for Me?
Are you outdoorsy? Do you enjoy camping, hiking, or canoeing? Are you a leader? Are you passionate about the environment? Do you enjoy group projects? Do you enjoy classroom discussions? Do you follow politics? Are you a planner and an organizer? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, then a degree in Natural Resources and Conservation might be in your future!
High School Classes Needed for a Natural Resources and Conservation Degree in College:
- 4 English Credits
- 3 Math Credits
- 3 Lab Science Credits
- 4 Social Studies Credits
- 2 Foreign Language Credits
- If your high school offers the following courses, take advantage!
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Environmental Science
- AP Calculus
- AP Statistics
- AP U.S. Government and Politics
- Computer Classes
- If your high school offers the following co-curricular activities, take advantage!
- Team Sports
- Student Government
- Debate Team
Common Natural Resources and Conservation Courses in College:
- Biology
- Economics
- Ecosystem Management
- Ecotourism
- Endangered Species Management
- Environment and Society
- Fish Ecology
- Fisheries Conservation and Management
- Forest Botany
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Management of Wildlife Populations
- Natural Resource Management
- Outdoor Recreation
- Policy and Administration
- Watershed Science and Management
Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:
- Conservation Law Enforcement: a law enforcement major with a focus on protecting wildlife, lands, and other natural resources
- Environmental Science: a course of study that combines all of the sciences to study and solve environmental problems
- Forestry: the science of planting, managing, and caring for forests
- Parks and Recreations: a course of study that explores how and why people interact with the outdoors, and how to manage these people and natural resources
- Political Science: the study of government and politics
- Sustainable Agriculture: a branch of agriculture study that focuses on conserving and protecting natural resources while producing healthy food
- Wildlife and Wilderness Management: a course of study that combines all of the sciences to manage plants and animals
Natural Resources and Conservation Careers:
Natural Resources and Conservation is a broad area of study. Program specifics vary from school to school, so one school with a focus on biology could produce students who would go to work in labs, while another school with a focus on socioeconomics could produce students who go to work for a government agency. This major often leads to graduate school, so that students can further define their area of expertise. This field of study is relatively new, so job titles and descriptions are still evolving.
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