Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management Head - Roel Lopez

Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences Head - Brian King

Ecology and Conservation Biology Interim Head - Kirk Winemiller

General Statement

Three departments offer degrees in specific areas of natural resources management and conservation. Students may select one of these degree programs or a broad approach to natural resource education by pursuing the multi-department degree in Renewable Natural Resources.

Renewable Natural Resources

Renewable Natural Resources (RENR) is for students desiring a rigorous education in the study and management of sustainable ecosystems for a wide variety of resource values. The RENR program of study is comprised of a core of courses and two emphases. The goal of this core/emphasis structure is to provide students with an identity as a renewable natural resources specialist, while, at the same time, affording the flexibility for preparation for a variety of career tracks. One emphasis focuses on management and the other on policy. Technical electives prepare the students in chosen educational and career directions. The underlying goal of the RENR degree is to integrate the scientific issues of renewable natural resources. Graduates of this program will be able to articulate these issues verbally and in writing in their chosen career. Therefore, the RENR degree emphasizes verbal presentations and major papers as well as field-oriented activities.

The RENR programs are designed to help students prepare for careers in public and private organizations associated with the planning and use of natural resources and the environment. Possible employment includes areas such as multi-use land management, environmental assessment, resource inventory, natural resource planning, law, policy analysis and land remediation.

An emphasis may be selected in policy or management. 

RENR Areas of Emphasis

The BS in Renewable Natural Resources includes two emphasis areas for students to select. The directed electives differentiate the two areas of emphasis.

Management Emphasis

Designed for an education in the scientific management of integrated natural resources. In today’s world, it is important to have college graduates prepared to deal with integrated systems, accounting for all of the separate aspects of the system. The management emphasis seeks to prepare the student to integrate concerns related to land, water, air, plants and wildlife into the management process. 

Policy Emphasis

Designed for students desiring an education in natural resources policy. This emphasis incorporates knowledge from all renewable natural resources disciplines, which provides a foundation for decision-making related to the environment. Students will obtain an understanding of the behavior of institutions and organizations associated with natural resource management.

Professionals associated with natural resources need to consider legislative mandates, community interests, resource evaluation and competing uses, and conflict management techniques. This emphasis prepares the student for work in private industry, public and non-profit agencies or to pursue graduate studies. 

¹

Graduation requirements include a requirement for 3 hours of International and Cultural Diversity courses and 3 hours of Cultural Discourse courses. A course satisfying a Core category, a college/department requirement, or a free elective can be used to satisfy this requirement. Select in consultation with an academic advisor.

²

To be selected from an approved list in consultation with an academic advisor.

³

Credit by examination may be used to substitute for 3 hours of POLS 206 or POLS 207.

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Students will complete an internship, study abroad or independent research experience.