Natural Resources Degrees

S.J. and Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

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Undergraduate Degrees

Applied Environmental Geoscience Emphasis (BS) (BA)

Applied environmental geoscience is an interdisciplinary program, with a broader range of coursework than the traditional degree in geology. Students take geology courses and study the earth’s history, composition, and structure, but also take courses in ...

Climate Science (BS)

The Climate Science Degree (CSD) program integrates basic and applied principles of meteorology, climatology with environmental physics, which are concerned with how natural laws determine the climate. Physical oceanography and land surface physics are al...

Conservation and Restoration Ecology (BS)

Gain a solid understanding of biological sciences while you learn to leverage ecological principles to maintain healthy ecosystems and restore forests, rangelands, wildlands, and grasslands that have been damaged over time.

Environmental Studies (BS)

Study the complex opportunities, issues, and concerns that surround humans' relationship with nature in this interdisciplinary field, encompassing ecology, politics, economics, geography, and societal management.

Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (BS)

Study the ecology, management, restoration, and protection of freshwater fish populations and their habitats in one of the few programs in the state, providing access to fieldwork in a range of aquatic ecosystems

Forest Ecology and Management (BS)

This degree lets you gain the knowledge and skills needed to manage public or private forests — including a broad understanding of biology, economies, and policies — in the only nationally accredited forestry program in the state.

Freshwater and Marine Ecology (BS)

At the heart of the FAME program is a deep exploration of how aquatic ecosystems work, how they respond to natural and human-driven changes, and how they support biodiversity and societal wellbeing. In this major, students explore the biological, chemical...

Geography (BS)

Explore the relationships between human society and the physical environment while delving into research about the earth's resources, whether you choose to specialize in mapping and information analysis or the dynamics of human behavior.

Rangeland Ecology and Management (BS)

Learn how to manage public lands for recreational use while preserving the land's natural resources and restoring previously misused areas at the first university to offer expansive academic classes in outdoor recreation.

Recreation Resource Management (BS)

Gain a solid understanding of how humans interact with the world in outdoor recreation, a firm foundation of natural resources and scientific knowledge, and learn the best management practices for the various roles of public lands.

Wildlife Ecology and Management (BS)

Study with nationally renowned faculty and gain hands-on experience in fieldwork and research of the ecology, behavior, conservation, and management of wildlife populations as you focus on current issues and concerns in natural resources.

Graduate Degrees

Ecology (MS, PhD)

The Ecology Center at USU has had a string of directors known nationally and worldwide as premier scientists in the field of ecology, and students graduating with a degree in ecology are able to make contacts with influential faculty that can help them as...

Forestry (MS) (PhD)

Study the management of forest ecosystems and a variety of related issues in a customized plan of study as you earn a graduate degree.

Geography (MS)

Earn a degree in geography as you study a wide range of issues like land use, rural development, map making, the social aspects of natural resource management, and more.

Range Science

Get a unique advanced degree in range science as you study the science and application of ecology principles in rangeland environments.

Watershed Science (MS) (PhD)

Integrate physics, chemistry, and biology to understand watershed systems with hands-on field work and a plan of study based on your individual research interests

Wildlife Biology (MS) (PhD)

Study the management of human-wildlife conflict and current issues and concerns in natural resources under professors who are world-renown for their research and publications.

Minors

Environmental Studies (Minor)

When you're interested in learning about natural resources and the environment but you're not majoring in those topics, this is the minor for you. Learn the basic ecological principles, plus best practices for tourism and sustainability.

Geography (Minor)

Obtain a broad understanding of the physical processes that make up Earth, from the natural elements to how they impact societies and various cultures of the world surrounding them, whether you focus on Utah or elsewhere in this minor.

Geography Teaching (Minor)

Master the basics of geography, from the physical to its impacts of society, with this minor so you can learn how to teach students. Get hands-on clinical experience to help you teach social studies through secondary education.

Recreation Resource Management (Minor)

Master the basics of recreation management, from planning and infrastructure to regulation and integration of natural resources, and explore human connections and partnerships to prepare for careers related to recreation resources.

Sustainable Systems (Minor)

Form foundational knowledge on sustainable systems as you explore the relationship between sustainability and agriculture, food, the environment, energy, Earth and water systems, and societal cultures with this minor.

Wildlife Science (Minor)

Learn about the ecology, behavior, conservation, and management of wildlife populations as you focus on current issues and concerns in natural resources, specifically those adjacent to fisheries and aquatic sciences.

Certificates

NEPA Certificate Program (Cert)

The NEPA Certificate Program was designed to prepare natural resource and environmental professionals to meet the challenges of complying with the act and working effectively on NEPA documents. We believe participants who successfully complete the program...

River Studies & Leadership Certificate

We are excited to offer the River Studies and Leadership Certificate (RSLC) in partnership with the River Management Society. The River Studies and Leadership Certificate requirements include the completion of river-focused coursework and a river-related ...