Invent the Earth's future as a conservation biologist, forester, wildlife refuge manager, public affairs specialist, intelligence analyst, natural resource policy advisor, outdoor recreation planner, outfitter/guide, urban forester, production manager, environmental consultant, GIS/remote sensing specialist, science teacher, environmental educator, packaging engineer, or international wood products consultant—to name a few career positions. Managing and utilizing our natural resources requires talented, responsible and well-educated people.

The world’s population uses and consumes products and food every day that come from the Earth’s forests, waters and land. We all depend on these resources, and we must sustain them for the future. Prepare for a career vital to the Earth's future.

The programs in the College of Natural Resources are ranked among the best in the country. Our programs address both the technical and human elements of natural resources and instill in students a sense of stewardship and land-use ethics. Discover how you can prepare for a career that is personally gratifying, environmentally responsible, and directly beneficial to society.

High School Preparation & Admission to the College

A challenging college preparatory curriculum is your foundation for success in Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources. Specifically, you must present a minimum of 18 units, including four units of English, three of math (including algebra II and geometry), two units of social science (including history), and two units of lab science (chosen from biology, chemistry, or physics). Three additional college preparatory units are required, and the balance of the credits are your choice.

Students should keep in mind that these are the minimum requirements for admission to the university.

In addition to your transcript, SAT or ACT (plus writing) scores are required of freshman applicants.

Curriculum & Opportunities

The College of Natural Resources offers six majors, many ranked among the top in the nation. The majors are found in four departments.

• Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
  • Fisheries Science
  • Wildlife Science
• Department of Forestry
  • Forestry
  • Environmental Resource Management
  • Forest Resource Management
  • Industrial Forestry Operations
  • Urban Forestry
  • Watershed Management
• Natural Resources Conservation
  • Natural Resource Recreation
  • Natural Resources Education (grades K–6)
  • Natural Resources Science (grades 6–12)
• Department of Geography
  • Geography
  • Culture, Regions, and International Development
  • Geospatial and Environmental Analysis
• Department of Wood Science and Forest Products
  • Wood Science and Forest Products
  • Adhesion Science
  • Forest Products
  • Packaging Science
    
  • Wood Structures and Materials

Faculty & Facilities

Students in the College of Natural Resources have access to a wide variety of research laboratories and facilities.

Cheatham Hall houses fully equipped laboratories for studies in the physiology, nutrition, and genetics of trees, fish, and wildlife. Wood chemistry laboratories are also maintained for the analysis of wood and its components.

The Thomas M. Brooks Forest Products Center is one of the most sophisticated forest products labs in the United States. Dedicated to national and international research needs, it houses research laboratories, an experimental dry kiln, facilities for composites manufacturing, and advanced testing equipment for wood physics, mechanics, and processing research.

The Center for Bear Research is an approved site for research on captive black bears.

The Freshwater Mussel Culture Laboratory is the leading facility for research and production of imperiled freshwater mussels.

The Reynolds Homestead Forest Resources Research Center is a 710-acre research and education center located in Virginia’s Piedmont region less than two hours away from campus. It is equipped with a laboratory, greenhouse, shade house, aquatic research ponds, and field sites.

The Fishburn Forest is a 1,300­-acre teaching and demonstration forest close to campus. For a complete list of facilities, students should contact the individual departments.

Freshman Curriculum

Most entering students in the College of Natural Resources participate in a common first-year curriculum that includes courses in biology, chemistry, English, calculus, and a class entitled Introduction to Renewable Natural Resources. This time allows students to get acquainted with the different options and to develop career interests and goals before deciding on a professional plan of study.

Geography freshmen take English, mathematics, a science of their choice, and a selection of introductory Geography courses.