Program Overview

Natural Resource Ecology & Management

Natural Resource Ecology & Management is a diverse major that offers opportunities to study forest management, wetlands, wildlife, conservation biology, fisheries, aquaculture, habitat management, or prepare for a career as a wildlife-oriented veterinarian. The curricula emphasize field instruction, and unique facilities available through this curriculum include the School of Renewable Natural Resources' Lee Memorial Forest.

About Natural Resource Ecology & Management

This major is designed for students interested in studying ways to manage natural resources and protect wildlife and their habitats. The program provides hands-on experience in the field, with access to the Lee Memorial Forest, an actively managed forest with accommodations and teaching facilities.

Concentrations Available

• Conservation Biology: Students in this specialization are interested in conserving rare, uncommon, threatened, or endangered species. They learn about habitats and genetics to enhance these species.
• Ecological Restoration: Students in this specialization are interested in using the principles of forestry and natural resource management to conserve and restore impacted landscapes.
• Fisheries and Aquaculture: Prepare for managing, conserving, and enhancing populations of aquatic organisms in the wild or through the use of aquaculture. Students also explore the commercial aspects of fisheries and aquaculture.
• Forest Resource Management: Students are prepared for the diverse challenges of managing forested landscapes for various sustainable uses. This area of concentration is specifically designed to assist the student in becoming a Certified Forester.
• Pre-Veterinary Medicine: Students are preparing for a career as a wildlife or zoo veterinarian. These veterinarians work for state or federal agencies, non-governmental environmental organizations, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, or zoos and aquariums.
• Watershed Science: Watersheds are increasingly becoming the primary unit for resource management. There is an increasing trend that employment opportunities in agriculture, forestry, environmental science, and other related areas are often preferably given to those graduates who earned training and hands-on experience in watersheds, water quality, and aquatic science.
• Wetland Sciences: This concentration is designed for students who wish to study wetlands, which provide wildlife and fish habitat, help maintain water quality, and benefit the economy.
• Wildlife Ecology: Study the varied kinds of wildlife that make Louisiana the "Sportsman's Paradise", including game animals such as deer and ducks. Students also learn about the ecologically important non-game species.
• Wildlife Habitat Conservation and Management: Students manage forests, wetlands, and other habitats to promote wildlife. Take one of two paths - one focuses on wetland wildlife habitat or another centered on forest management.

Possible Careers

• Aquaculture specialist
• Conservation biologist
• Forester
• Forestry consultant
• Wildlife and fisheries ecologist
• Wildlife and fisheries veterinarian
• Wildlife law enforcement officer

Program Requirements

To continue pursuing this major, students must meet the following requirements:

• 2.0 GPA in all coursework (2.5 GPA for transfer)
• 2.0 cumulative GPA in courses toward degree requirements
• Grade of "C" or better in ENGL 1001 and MATH 1021 or higher

Senior College

The College of Agriculture is the senior college for this program.

Degree

The degree offered is a B.S., Bachelor of Science.

Course Load by Subject Area

The course load is distributed as follows:

• Agriculture: High Intensity
• Science: High Intensity
• Communication: Medium Intensity
• Electives: Medium Intensity
• History & Law: Medium Intensity
• Math: Medium Intensity

Related Majors

Related majors include:

• Coastal Environmental Science
• Disaster Science & Management
• Environmental Management Systems
• Marine Biology

Fast Track Available

A 3+1 Pre-Veterinary Medicine fast track is available.

Academic Common Market Available

The Academic Common Market is available for residents of Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, and Maryland.