Natural Resources and Environmental Science

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100D Knudtsen Resource Center
(775) 784-1896
(775) 784-6763

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary unit that brings together biological and physical scientists to address a wide range of pressing environmental challenges that confront our society at local, regional and global levels. The department offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs to educate, inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists and resource managers. Students who complete an NRES major or minor will develop skills to protect vegetation, wildlife, soil, air and water resources while preserving the public interest.

MAJORS:

Ecohydrology, B.S.

Ecohydrology is a cross-disciplinary science that integrates components of the hydrologic cycle and the distribution, structure, and function of ecosystems.  The Ecohydrology specialization prepares students for water-oriented careers in hydrology, watershed science, geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing applications for hydrologic analysis, water quality assessment, ecology of aquatic systems, and management and restoration. Students learn about the role of water in controlling ecosystem processes, particularly focusing on natural resource management challenges at the watershed scale.  The curriculum will prepare students for the federal requirements as a hydrologist (OPM 1315 Series: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1300/hydrology-series-1315/).

Environmental Science, B.S.

The major in Environmental Science is highly relevant to global and regional issues being faced today, including climate change, pollution, shifting ecosystems and resource management. This major provides students with a scientific background in the physical and biological sciences followed by courses that integrate these sciences in addressing environmental issues. The program also requires students to develop an understanding of social values and political implications associated with environmental decision making. Specializations available within this major include Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Natural Resource Planning and Management, Pollution and Environmental Contaminants, and Soil Biogeochemistry. Excellent employment opportunities for environmental scientists and resource managers exist within the private sector, non-profit organizations, and local, state and national agencies. This major also prepares students for attaining graduate degrees in environment-related fields.

Forest Management and Ecology, B.S.

Students in the Forest Management and Ecology major are interested in the ecology and management of forest resources. The curriculum provides a solid, multidisciplinary foundation for science-based decision making in natural resource management. Coursework addresses critical issues in vegetation ecology and management, sustainability and restoration of forest resources, watershed integrity, wildlife habitat, forage and wood production, and conservation of natural ecosystems. Graduating seniors are prepared for graduate study or may enter employment with state and federal agencies, private firms, and non-profit organizations that own and manage forests. Students interested in qualifying under the federal U.S. Office of Personnel Management should notify their advisor and consult the website at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/sec-iii/a/0400-NDX.HTM.

Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, B.S.

The Wildlife Ecology and Conservation major provides a solid, multidisciplinary foundation for science-based decision making in wildlife ecology and conservation biology. Students acquire a strong background in basic science (e.g., biology, chemistry, and mathematics) as well as courses addressing critical issues in management, restoration and conservation of wildlife and other biological resources. This major is designed for students interested in pursuing careers focused on the ecology and management of wildlife and other biota. Coursework will develop skills needed to evaluate impacts of human activities on natural and managed biological systems. Graduating seniors are prepared for graduate study or may enter the work force directly. Wildlife ecology and conservation biology are growing areas of regional, state, and national priority. Hence, the employment outlook is extremely promising for students interested in working for state and federal agencies, private consulting firms, and non-profit organizations. The curriculum can be designed to assure qualification as a federal wildlife biologist and/or certification by The Wildlife Society. Students interested in qualifying under the federal U.S. Office of Personnel Management Standards should notify their advisor and consult the website at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/sec-iii/a/0400-NDX.HTM.

The department also offers minors in the same four areas.

Minors:

Students majoring in another field may minor in any of the following:

• Minor in EcoHydrology
• Minor in Environmental Science
• Minor in Forest Management and Ecology
• Minor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

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