Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences, BS

Students pursuing this major select one of four concentrations:

Designed for students interested in careers leading the conservation, protection, and management of natural and environmental resources or in pursuing advanced education in one of its many disciplinary areas, the NRES baccalaureate provides a science-based, application-oriented education. The NRES major is unique in its integration of a comprehensive physical, life, and social sciences background with coursework providing the management, decision-making, and analytical knowledge and skills required to solve the world’s most pressing problems.

Students in the NRES major begin their studies by taking a set of core courses that provides the background for more focused substantive study at the upper level. The NRES core introduces students to the range of physical, life, and social science content most relevant to their future professions and equips them with tools essential for the discovery, analysis, and application of knowledge important for successful environmental management. NRES students then build upon the core by completing one of four upper-level concentrations. Courses in the concentrations involve focused attention to the theories, data, and analytical tools of a particular set of natural resource and environmental science areas, helping students develop the necessary understanding of the complexities underlying resources management. All students in the major are required to complete a combination of field courses and at least one project-oriented capstone course.

All the concentrations prepare students for graduate study as well as for multiple career paths throughout the public and private sectors. Because of its unique orientation toward integrative application of disciplinary knowledge, the NRES major prepares students for a wide range of careers involving the conservation, protection, and management of natural resources. Many occur within business or government agencies that provide services related to environmental and natural resource management. Other careers are found within social, professional, and advocacy institutions that focus on human impacts and environmental sustainability. The major also prepares students for teaching, research, or other professional activities.

Graduates from the NRES major go on to pursue careers in the direction of environmental education centers; ecological management and restoration; enforcement of laws and regulations; environmental advocacy; environmental consulting; forest and environmental economics; land use analysis and management; law; local, state, and federal government; management of parks, forests and rangelands; plant physiology; policy development and implementation; resource planning and policy analysis; social and environmental impact analysis; soil conservation, science, and testing; technical sales; watershed management; and wildlife conservation and management.

for the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences

Students graduating with the B.S. in NRES should be able to:

1. Understand the scientific method/ways of knowing and critically evaluate information.
2. Integrate principles of biological, chemical, physical, and social sciences and apply them to resource and environmental issues using a systems approach.
3. Understand ecological principles underpinning management of resources, populations, communities, and ecosystems.
4. Use data collection and analysis tools (such as field methods, GIS, modeling, and statistics) to develop plans for managing resource/environmental challenges and adapt plans in response to rapid change.
5. Understand the policies governing resources and the environment and identify social dimensions (stakeholders, interests, trade‐offs, synergies, ethical principles) to consider in the development of management plans.
6. Communicate effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and the public about environmental and resource management issues.
7. Recognize how diverse groups understand the environment, experience positive and negative environmental impacts, and perceive just and equitable solutions.

for the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences

Sample Sequence
This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. For more information, see the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.

for the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences

College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences
College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences website

ACES Office of Academic Programs
128 Mumford Hall, 1301 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL 61801