Natural Resources Conservation

The Department of Forestry’s Natural Resources Conservation major prepares students for conservation-oriented careers emphasizing the interaction between people and nature. We recognize that natural resource problems and solutions are embedded in political, economic, educational, and cultural institutions. The curriculum thus includes a multidisciplinary mix of classes and projects that immerse students not only in both the natural and social sciences, but also in the real-world contexts in which land management takes place.

The conservation and recreation management curriculum option provides students with knowledge and skills in the natural sciences, planning, policy, and communications useful for employment in government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private industries promoting conservation and recreation. Students graduate with skills in managing land, water, wildlife, forests, and other natural systems for multiple uses, in particular conservation and recreation. These resources are commonly the first point of contact with nature for many Americans and increasingly dominate natural resource management tasks. Courses in the curriculum emphasize ecological and natural sciences as well as planning, tourism, business, psychology, and social sciences.

The natural resource education curriculum option is for students interested in careers as environmental educators or interpreters at nature centers, parks, tourism sites or other areas, or as teachers in elementary schools. It offers a balance of natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities, providing graduates with a broad appreciation and understanding of contemporary natural resource issues. The curriculum is designed to provide all necessary undergraduate coursework for graduates to move directly into a Master’s of Education degree or alternative licensure to teach at the elementary school level.

The natural resources science option is for students interested in careers as teachers of earth sciences and/or agricultural or environmental education in middle and high schools or in non-formal settings. Alternatively, because of their strong science background, graduates from this option can find work with environmental consultancies or pursue graduate studies in natural resource disciplines or professions. The curriculum provides hands-on field experience in natural resource management, experiences useful to graduates that follow either education or consultancy career paths. The curriculum is designed to provide all necessary undergraduate coursework for graduates to move directly into a Master’s of Education degree or alternative licensure to teach at the high school level.

• Check out Natural Resources Conservation’s website for more information: http://www.forestry.vt.edu

College of Natural Resources

Natural Resources Conservation is a part of the College of Natural Resources. Majors in this college may share high school preparation requirements as well as common coursework at Virginia Tech.

• More information about the College of Natural Resources