What it’s about:

Natural resources and conservation is a broad, interdisciplinary field of study that addresses the management, protection, use, restoration, and enjoyment of the Earth’s resources. Training is provided in a number of academic areas, including biology and other natural sciences, social sciences, economics, and environmental studies.

What the study of this major is like:

Historically, professionals working in the natural resources and conservation field focused on specific academic areas, or disciplines, such as forestry or wildlife biology. Today, leading programs combine a range of courses; as a result, all majors become familiar with several fields, including forestry, wildlife, fisheries, physical sciences (such as chemistry), and social sciences (economics and political sciences). In addition, you take writing and, often, public speaking courses. Majors learn to integrate, or link, many disciplines and apply them to natural resource issues.

Many natural resources and conservation courses are taught in the traditional lecture and discussion format. Other courses focus on fieldwork, such as plant or animal identification and sampling techniques. Some courses combine the two, with a lecture/discussion session followed by fieldwork. An increasing number of courses require group projects, designed to prepare you for the type of work you may do after you graduate.

Natural resources and conservation programs vary a great deal in their emphases, degree requirements, and philosophies. Some programs have well-defined requirements that offer little flexibility, while others can accommodate almost any reasonable curriculum you want to pursue. At the same time, accreditation (offered by the society of American Foresters) and individual certification (offered by SAF, the American Fisheries Society, and The Wildlife Society)ensure that all programs follow professional guidelines. All programs that are accreditedmust meet the same standards of quality and course requirements.

Some programs place more emphasis on either the biophysical or the socioeconomic aspects of natural resources and conservation. The combination of disciplines available at a college can also create difference among programs. For example, some programs cover only forestry or wildlife conservation. Even though such as programs might be of high quality, your study and career options are somewhat limited. Other colleges have larger, integrated programs that offer you more possibilities. For instance, a college might combine wildlife and fisheries conservation, forestry, and natural resource studies into a single program.

Career options and trends:

Wildlife biologist; fisheries manager; forester, park ranger; conservation law enforcement officer, natural resources manager; government agency employee (EPA, state conservation department, etc.), natural resources policy analysts; environmental lawyer; environmental educator.

The various professional disciplines in this field have different certification requirements. You should investigate the certification requirements. You should investigate the certification options and their importance in the area of natural resources you are most interested in. Also, many careers in the discipline require graduate study.

While the rate of job growth has slowed recently, job trends remain promising. The broad nature of this field provides a variety of career options in both government and industry. Most students with a bachelor’s degree will find employment, but prospects are better if you have a master’s degree or higher. Also, many employees in public natural resources management agencies are reaching retirement age. As with any occupation, there are times of greater or lesser demand, but highly motivated, well-trained graduates should be able to find employment.

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors