Natural Resources, BS Curriculum

Agriculture and Natural Resources Department
Academic Affairs

• Program Type: Baccalaureate
• Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2013
• Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
• Required credits within the major: 120
• This program requires summer terms.
• Degree: Bachelor of Science

 

Managing natural resources is increasingly important, with increasing human populations and limited natural resources and habitats. Natural resource managers help balance the needs of people with the ability of ecosystems to sustainably support soil, water, forests, wildlife, fish, and recreational resources.

UMC's bachelor of science (B.S.) in natural resources provides an integrated approach to soil and water conservation, wildlife and fisheries management, forestry, and recreation. This combination enables graduates to work with a variety of resources and people and to build a career tailored to their interests.

Students select one of the following emphases:

• natural resources aviation
• natural resources law enforcement
• natural resources management
• park management
• water resource management
• wildlife management

Program outcomes: graduates will

• apply an integrated approach to resource management that incorporates environmental, economic, and social considerations
• demonstrate appropriate technical knowledge and practical applications necessary for employment in the natural resources field
• perform group problem solving, decision-making, and conflict management to be effective in resource management
• demonstrate oral and written communication skills appropriate for a beginning natural resource professional
• be aware of the necessity of continuing education and professional development to be successful in a changing natural resources workplace

Program Delivery

This program is available:

• via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)

Admission Requirements

For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.

General Requirements

All students are required to complete general University and college requirements. For more information, see the graduation requirements.

Program Requirements

Students must complete 40 upper division credits.

 

 

Program Sub-plans

Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans. (Note for the Twin Cities and Morris campuses: The honors sub-plan does not meet this requirement. Honors students are required to complete one sub-plan plus the honors sub-plan. Please see an adviser if no honors sub-plan is listed for the program.)

Natural Resources Aviation

This emphasis leads to careers as natural resource pilots employed by state/federal agencies such as the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and state departments of natural resources.

Program outcomes: graduates will

• demonstrate competency in aeronautics
• apply an integrated approach to resource management that incorporates environmental, economic, and social considerations
• perform group problem solving, decision making, and conflict management to be effective in resource management
• understand ecological management principles that apply to wildlife, fish, forest, soil, water, and recreation resources

 

 

 

 

Natural Resources Law Enforcement

This emphasis provides integrated instruction in natural resources management and law enforcement. General classes in natural resources, wildlife and fisheries management, forestry recreation, and land use planning are combined with criminal justice/law enforcement classes. After completing coursework and training in first aid and traffic law, students may attend a skills session and take the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certification examination.

Program outcomes: graduates will

• understand the role of education and law enforcement in natural resource management
• be qualified to attend the peace officer's skills training academy

 

 

 

 

 

Natural Resources Management

This emphasis provides an integrated approach to land use and the conservation of wildlife, fish, forest, and recreation resources. This major is especially appropriate for students seeking a broad understanding of resource management principles and environmental issues. A combination of coursework in natural resources, agriculture, and liberal education prepares students for land management positions in which a balance between environmental, economic, and social concerns is sought.

Program outcomes: graduates will

• understand ecological management principles that apply to wildlife, fish, forest, soil, water, and recreation resources

 

 

 

 

Park Management

This emphasis provides an integrated approach to park and recreation area management. A combination of natural resources, horticulture, and management courses prepare students for park and resource management positions, typically with federal/state/county/city recreation agencies. Flexibility in the choice of major electives allows students to build a customized program that meets their specific career goals.

Program outcomes: graduates will

• understand the interrelatedness of and techniques used to manage both visitor use and recreational resources

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water Resource Management

Courses in natural resources along with agriculture, geology, soils, fisheries management, water quality, and land use planning provide a background focused on water resources. Watersheds are studied by land cover and mapping technologies in relationship to field monitoring of lakes and streams.

Program outcomes: graduates will

• understand methods of assessing land management practices at the watershed scale and how they affect water quality
• measure and use appropriate water quality parameters to assess the health of land and aquatic systems
• recommend appropriate land/water management practices to achieve soil conservation and water quality goals

 

 

 

 

Wildlife Management

This emphasis concentrates on wildlife and habitats. The major focuses on land and wetland habitats and their animal associates with some emphasis on fisheries management. Graduates fulfill the educational requirements for certification as an Associate Wildlife Biologist by The Wildlife Society. Professional relationships and student development are enhanced by a student chapter of The Wildlife Society.

Program outcomes: graduates will

• understand the interrelatedness and techniques used to manage vertebrate populations and their habitat
• understand the dynamics of wildlife populations, habitats, and appropriate monitoring techniques

A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for graduation.