Natural Resources Management: Conservation Science Concentration, B.S.

Program Overview

The program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering various topics, including ecological principles, resource management techniques, and policy and law. Graduates with a concentration in Conservation Science often pursue careers in environmental consulting, government agencies, and conservation organizations.

Program Outline

This program emphasizes the ecological, social, and economic aspects of natural resource utilization and conservation.

Objectives:

• Understand the complex relationships between humans and the environment.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills for addressing natural resource challenges.
• Gain expertise in diverse natural resource management disciplines.
• Prepare graduates for successful careers across various natural resource management fields.

Program Description:

The NRM program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering various natural resource management topics, including:

• Ecological principles: Understanding the interactions between organisms and their environment.
• Resource management principles: Techniques for sustainable resource utilization.
• Policy and law: Environmental regulations and their impact on resource management.
• Social and economic factors: Considering the human dimension of resource use.
• Field techniques: Learning practical skills for data collection and analysis.
• Communication and leadership: Building essential skills for effective communication and collaboration.

Concentration in Conservation Science:

This concentration focuses on the scientific and policy aspects of human-environment interactions. Graduates often find careers in environmental consulting, government agencies, and organizations dedicated to ecological restoration and conservation of threatened and endangered species.

Communication Literacy Requirement:

Students must complete a designated communication literacy course from a list of NRM-specific courses to enhance their communication skills.

Outline:

First Year:

• Fall: English, Math, Biology, Environmental Science, Introduction to Freshwater Ecology and Fisheries, American Government
• Spring: English, Math, Introduction to Natural Resources Management, History

Second Year:

• Fall: NRM Field Techniques, Atmospheric Science, Introduction to Atmospheric Science Laboratory, Integrated Natural Resources Management Skills, Geographic Information Systems for Natural Resources Management, Fundamentals of Agricultural and Applied Economics
• Spring: Chemistry, Experimental Chemical Basics, Diversity of Life, Quantitative Methods in Natural Resources, Principles of Conservation Science, NRM Communication Literacy Elective

Third Year:

• Fall: NRM Field Techniques, Weather, Climate, and Human Activities, NRM Directed Elective, NRM Ecology Elective, Public Speaking
• Spring: Directed Physical Science Course, NRM Directed Elective, Creative Arts, NRM Directed Elective

Fourth Year:

• Fall: History, Watershed Planning, Nongame Ecology, NRM Directed Elective, NRM Experiential Elective
• Spring: Texas Politics and Topics, Language, Philosophy, and Culture/Multicultural, Restoration Ecology, Environmental Economics and Policy Elective, NRM GIS Elective

Foreign Language:

Students must complete two years of foreign language study in high school or two semesters in college.

Directed Electives:

Careers: Graduates of the NRM program with a concentration in Conservation Science often find careers in:

• Environmental consulting: Conducting environmental assessments, preparing reports, and implementing environmental management plans.
• Federal and state agencies: Working in wildlife and fisheries management, habitat restoration, and land management.
• Conservation organizations: Engaging in activities like species conservation, ecological restoration, and public outreach.

Other: Students have the opportunity to participate in field trips and internships to gain real-world experience. The program also offers undergraduate research opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research related to natural resources.