Program Overview

Natural Resource Management (Extension), BA

Introduction

The Natural Resource Management (Extension) BA degree is offered by the College of the Environment - Salish Sea Region (CENV-SSR) at Western Washington University. This program is designed for working professionals who want to make a difference in protecting the environment and the public good. The degree focuses on resource sustainability and environmental resilience, while also exploring positionalities and cultural-economic lenses around resource access in diverse populations and landscapes.

Program Description

The Natural Resource Management (Extension) BA degree uses a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to understanding urban-environment systems and environmental challenges. The program integrates academic coursework, faculty-student collaboration, applied research, professional internships, and community service to prepare students for careers in natural resource and environmental management.

Emphases

The program offers two emphasis areas:

• Natural Resource Policy Emphasis: This emphasis focuses on the policies and practices that shape natural resource management. Students learn about environmental law and policy, natural resource policy, and environmental dispute resolution.
• Environmental and Natural Resource Management Emphasis: This emphasis focuses on the management of natural resources and the environment. Students learn about ecosystem management, biostatistical analysis, ecological restoration, and forest restoration in the Pacific Northwest.

Requirements

The program requires 65-69 credits, including:

• Natural Resource Foundations Courses (15-17 credits):
  • Introduction to Microeconomics or Introduction to Macroeconomics
  • Introduction to Statistics
  • The American Political System or Human Geography
  • Beginning Ecology or Fundamentals of Ecology
• Natural Resource Depth Courses (23-25 credits):
  • Environmental Research and Public Communication or Research and Writing in Environmental Studies
  • Introduction to Sustainability and Society or Planning the American City
  • Environmental Law and Policy
  • Natural Resource Policy
  • Native American Planning and Natural Resources Policy
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
• Natural Resource Experiential (minimum 5 credits):
  • Faculty-Led Study Abroad
  • Senior Thesis
  • Internship
  • Senior Project
  • International Study
• Emphases (22 credits):
  • Choose one emphasis area and complete the required courses

University Graduation Requirements

• General University Requirements
• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Natural Resource Management (Extension) BA degree program can pursue careers in:

• Sustainable Development Consulting
• Natural Resources Management
• Non-Profit Management
• Environmental Law
• City Administration
• Resource Management
• Environmental Management
• Tribal Environmental Management
• Environmental Policy Administration