This 5-year combination program equips graduates to navigate and lead in the areas of ecological systems and human dimension frameworks. The program will include a capstone project, technical training and leadership development. These experiences prepare students to tackle real conservation challenges and collaborate with stakeholders from diverse sectors.
This 5-year combination program, comprising the Bachelor of Science in Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management (Natural Resource Management Track) and the Master of Natural Resources, allows high-performing undergraduate students to streamline their undergraduate and professional education.
With climate change, biodiversity loss and resource scarcity on the rise, there is a growing demand for professionals who can navigate both ecological systems and human dimensions frameworks. Natural resource management intersects with ecology, economics, law and public policy. This combination program allows students to build broader, more integrated skill sets—essential for tackling today’s complex environmental challenges. Graduates will be better positioned for leadership roles in government agencies, NGOs and private-sector environmental consulting. The master’s component includes training in conservation planning, project management and communication, which are highly valued in the field.
The undergraduate curriculum provides training in an array of techniques necessary for sustainably managing land, water, wildlife and other natural assets while balancing ecological, economic and social needs. The multidisciplinary training blends science with hands-on problem-solving. While still completing undergraduate credits, students begin graduate coursework in natural resource management to refine and extend their skills in critical thinking, problem-solving and communication.
Plan of Study Grid | First Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| AGEC 105 | Introduction to Agricultural Economics | 3 |
| BIOL 111 | Introductory Biology I | 4 |
| ENGL 104 | Composition and Rhetoric | 3 |
| MATH 140 | Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences 1 | 3 |
| RWFM 101 | Exploring Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management 1 | 1 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 14 |
| Spring |
|---|
| BIOL 112 | Introductory Biology II | 4 |
| ECCB 205 | Fundamentals of Ecology 1 | 3 |
| ECCB 215 | Fundamentals of Ecology--Laboratory | 1 |
| MATH 142 | Business Calculus 1 | 3 |
| RWFM 202 | Concepts in Applied Plant Biology 1 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 14 |
| Second Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| CHEM 119 | Fundamentals of Chemistry I | 4 |
ENGL 210
| Technical and Professional Writing
or Public Speaking | 3 |
| POLS 206 | American National Government | 3 |
| RWFM 305 | Principles and Practices of Wildlife and Fisheries Management 1 | 3 |
| 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 16 |
| Spring |
|---|
| POLS 207 | State and Local Government | 3 |
| RWFM 345 | Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management and Policy 1 | 3 |
| RWFM 375 | Conservation of Natural Resources 1 | 3 |
| 3 |
| 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| Summer |
|---|
| RWFM 333 | Rangeland, Wildlife & Fisheries Field Techniques 1 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 3 |
| Third Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| RWFM 308 | Fish and Wildlife Laws and Administration 1 | 3 |
| RWFM 314 | Principles of Rangeland Management Around the World 1 | 3 |
| RWFM 322 | Community Development and Sustainability 1 | 3 |
| RWFM 323 | Parks and Protected Area Management 1 | 3 |
| RWFM 405 | Urban Wildlife and Fisheries 1 | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| Spring |
|---|
| AGEC 325 | Principles of Farm and Ranch Management | 3 |
| RWFM 336 | Research Methods in the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources 1 | 3 |
| RWFM 440 | Wetland Delineation 1 | 3 |
| RWFM 621 | Communicating Natural Resources 1,2 | 3 |
| STAT 302 | Statistical Methods | 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 15 |
| Summer |
|---|
| RWFM 484 | Internship 1 | 1 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 1 |
| Fourth Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| RPTS 460/ECCB 460 | Nature, Values, and Protected Areas | 3 |
| RWFM 325 | Watershed Analysis and Planning 1 | 3 |
RWFM 406
| Wildlife Habitat Management 1
or U.S. Environmental Regulations | 3 |
| RWFM 651 | Geographic Information System for Resource Management 1,2 | 3 |
| 3 | 2 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 14 |
| Spring |
|---|
| RWFM 346 | Park Ecology and Management 1 | 3 |
| RWFM 436 | Natural Resources Policy 1 | 3 |
| RWFM 470 | Environmental Impact Assessment 1 | 3 |
| RWFM 481 | Senior Seminar 1 | 1 |
| 3 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 13 |
| Summer |
|---|
| RWFM 684 | Professional Internship | 3 |
| RWFM 685 | Directed Studies | 5 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 8 |
| Fifth Year |
|---|
| Fall |
|---|
| RWFM 629 | Private Land Stewardship | 3 |
| RWFM 659 | Human Dimensions of Parks and Protected Areas | 3 |
| RWFM 660 | Leadership in Natural Resource Management | 3 |
| RWFM 681 | Seminar | 1 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 10 |
| Spring |
|---|
| 4 | 12 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 12 |
| | Total Semester Credit Hours | 150 |
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.
The program includes a total of 156 hours which up to 6 hours may be applied toward both the Bachelor of Science in Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management and the Master of Natural Resources (face-to-face or online) program.
