Natural resources and conservation teach students the usage, improvement, and protection of our natural resources. Through this course, students study about soil, water, air, plant life, etc. and help in conserving the resources by adopting some best practices and to reduce natural wastes.
Natural Resource & Conservation Management Program Overviews
- Associate degree in Natural Resource Management Students learn to categorize and manage plants, wildlife, ecosystems, and environments via numerous training. They are also taught to explore various conditions that impact the natural resources and how to counter the forces or eradicate them.
- Bachelors degree in Natural Resource Management provides detailed and in-depth analysis and knowledge in certain areas of interest for students. Students broaden their knowledge about environmental science and natural resources and also learn about social and political facets that impact natural resources.
- Master's degree in Natural Resource Management by this time, a student has already got whatever it takes to excel in their professional spheres; however, students with a keenness to aspire a doctoral degree or to do further research in this field should focus on certain specific topics (like wildlife, ecology, etc.).
Online degree programs are also available at Bachelor's and Master's degree level. Nevertheless, some programs require completing certain lab courses in school or campus.
More than a hundred colleges offer Masters, Bachelors, and Doctoral programs in natural resource and conservation in the US and some of the well-known school are:-
- University of Michigan
- Texas A&M University
- Colorado State University
- Michigan State University
- Auburn University
- Texas Tech University
Internships
The Certain government registered institutions, and private firms offer internships for the students. Sometimes, to complete graduation, an internship is a must in case of some programs. An enthusiastic student can also volunteer himself with any agencies- governmental or private or even local parks to gain maximum practical exposure and learning of the program modules.
Career options
Once attaining a degree in natural resource and conservation, a wide range of employment options can be pursued in the US. Students can work as writers, environmentalists, providing their views on conserving natural resources, plant ecologists, environmental scientists, biologists, fisheries technicians. Students can also pursue working with different Environmental agencies affiliated with the Government or other Conservation Agencies in the USA. Other alternatives are working for local, state and national parks. As they gain experience, students climb the ladder and can also become managers, analysts or teachers. Those with degrees can also become professors.
Salary
The average salary for an environmental scientist and specialist according to BLS in 2014 was $62,000 while for the post of conservation scientist was estimated at $60,000.
Brief about a few Courses under natural resources and conservation
- Fisheries and Fisheries Science Management As the name suggests, this course covers managing and understanding of fishes. The study pertains to acquiring deep knowledge of the fishing industry, conserving it & gaining insights on the lives and conditions of fishes.
- Forestry Chiefly, deals with efficient management and protection of the forests, thereby maintaining the environment.
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management A program devised to manage the wildlife reservation, flora, and faunas; includes zoological conservation and the management of wildlife and natural habitats.
- Natural resource management & policy provides positive conclusion from the use and development of the natural resources without any conflict amongst various stakeholders.
- Natural resource conservation and research guides students to conserve and sustain the environment efficiently and lays emphasis on extensive research to improve and protect the natural resources.