Natural Resources

The Natural Resources program is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on natural resource management within the context of forestry, fish and wildlife, environmental conservation, and other scientific disciplines. The program partners with Yakona Nature Preserve and utilizes opportunities for experiential learning in the natural resources coursework. The program has a direct transfer agreement with Oregon State University’s Natural Resources program. 

The program is designed to be an interdisciplinary approach to natural resource management within the context of forestry, fish and wildlife, environmental conservation, and other scientific disciplines. Various philosophies and approaches to resource management will be introduced throughout the program. Through a combination of experiential learning opportunities such as field work and science labs and foundational knowledge provided in their coursework, students complete the program with the necessary knowledge and skills to either continue on for the bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources at OSU or begin working in the industry.

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

FOR 111: Introduction to Forestry

Credits 3

Explores concepts and career development pathways associated with the management and uses of forest resources. Explores where and how forests grow, relationships between forests and human well-being, and environmental and human values related to forests. Examines concepts associated with forest ecosystem functioning, resource use, inventory, planning, and management. Introduces career-development skills, competencies, and resources within the context of forestry-related careers.

FW 251: Principles of Fish and Wildlife

Credits 3

History of conservation and natural resource use; ecological principles, and social and economic limitations of conservation; principles and practices of wildlife and fisheries management; role of research in management. Recommend: one course in introductory biology. 

NR 201: Managing Natural Resources for the Future

Credits 3

This course provides an overview of the complexities involved in managing global natural resources. Explores an array of natural resource management issues, revealing how natural resource specialists strive to address those issues and work collaboratively to propose and implement solutions. Encourages introspection and expression of perspectives regarding natural resources, along with development of critical thinking skills useful in seeking solutions to complex natural resource management issues.

NR 202: Natural Resources Problems and Solutions

Credits 3

This course explores multiple components (ecological, social, political, ethical) of selected natural resource problems. The course uses case studies to illustrate how social and biophysical characteristics of environmental problems influence the methods used to try to solve these problems and their potential for success.