The College of Natural Resources offers a variety of degree
programs. Click on the links below to learn more
about our CNR majors
Environmental Studies
Unlike other majors in the College of Natural Resources, the Environmental
Studies major is not a single field of study leading to a specific
profession. This degree prepares students to understand broad biological,
physical, social, and political aspects of natural resource problems and
environmental issues. Students also get to work with their advisor to design
a 15-credit emphasis for their degree. Some student chose to focus on topics not
covered by traditional majors, such as environmental policy or interpretation.
Others combine Environmental Studies with another University minor or major
(soils, journalism, business, etc.) in order to meet their educational interests
and objectives.
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Geography is the study of the relationships between human society and the
physical environment. Geography involves everything from environmental studies
and human impact on the environment to the availability and location of the
earth's resources to the physical processes that occur at the earth's surface
and the spatial interactions among society and the physical environment. Today,
geographers use technology to enhance their study. Geography students have
opportunities to learn how remote sensing (images of the earth taken from high
altitudes) and geographic information systems (GIS) have revolutionized
mapmaking and the way the world is viewed.
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Geography Teaching
Geography is the study of the relationships between human society and the
physical environment. Geography involves everything from environmental studies
and human impact on the environment to the availability and location of the
earth's resources to the physical processes that occur at the earth's surface
and the spatial interactions among society and the physical
environment. Geography teaching students also take classes and gain experience
that lead to a certificate in secondary education, allowing them to teach in
public Jr. High and High schools.
Recreation Resource
Management
The Recreation Resource Management degree prepares students for careers
in
managing outdoor recreation settings. Students who pursue this degree
might
end up working in a visitor center or as an interpreter at a public
forest or
rangeland, state or national park, or wilderness area. Others work
in tourism
and recreation businesses. Because these jobs require an
understanding of both
the land itself and the people who visit these areas,
this degree offers a solid
foundation in both the biological and social
sciences.
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Fisheries and Aquatic
Sciences
Students of fisheries and aquatic sciences learn
the skills necessary to understand and manage freshwater fish
populations. This study also includes an understanding of the relationships
among physical, chemical and biological components of aquatic ecosystems.
Graduates of this program may go on to work as scientists and managers for state
and federal natural resource agencies, researchers, or as professionals for
environmental consulting firms, nonprofit environmental firms, and water-based
industries.
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Watershed and Earth Systems
Students of watershed and earth systems study the relationships among
physical,
chemical and biological components of the earth's ecosystems.
Specific
areas of interest may include hydrology, geomorphology,
biogeochemistry,
water quality, conservation, or restoration and
management of aquatic and
riparian ecosystems. Graduates of this
program may go on to work as
scientists and managers for natural
resource agencies, professionals with
consulting and nonprofit
environmental firms, or university teachers and
researchers.
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Conservation and Restoration Ecology
This degree combines the study of conserving and maintaining ecological systems with the recovery of damaged ecological systems and enriching the lives of their inhabitants. Conservation and restoration ecology students learn a broad interdisciplinary approach to natrual resources ananlysis and management. They also have opportunities to learn how to contribute in positive and innovative ways to the understanding and the sustainable management of the earth's natural resources.
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Forestry
Forestry students work to gain the knowledge and skills they will need
to
manage public or private forests for a wide variety of resources such
as
timber, recreation, water and biological diversity. This degree
program
focuses on providing future foresters with the broadest
possible
understanding of the biological, physical, economic, political, and
social
environment that they will work in as forestry
professionals.
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Rangeland Resources
Range scientists and managers deal with natural resources on rangelands-
grasslands, deserts, woodlands, wetlands, and tundras—that occupy a significant
land area in the USA and the world. Range students learn to manage and conserve
rangeland resources to ensure the sustained output of products and values such
as habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal life, forage for livestock and
wildlife, water for agricultural and municipal use, and scenic beauty for
recreational activities. This degree program also teaches students how to
restore lands damaged by past misuse.
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Wildlife Science
Wildlife science includes the analysis, management, conservation, and
restoration of forest and rangeland ecosystems and their associated wildlife
populations. Students graduating in wildlife sciences prepare for a variety of
careers in natural resources, including opportunities with state agencies,
federal land management and regulatory agencies, and numerous private sector
enterprises, such as consulting firms, private ranches, game farms, private land
reclamation firms, and nongovernmental organizations.
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