Conserving natural resources has been a topic of intense interest for many years. People have realized the importance of preserving the world we live in and maintaining it for future generations. If you have a passion for the environment, then a degree in natural resources and conservation might be for you.
Natural resources and conservation is a broad topic and opens up many possibilities for students. Some may focus on ecology or environmental sciences, while others pursue natural resource conservation and research. These schools are ranked the highest for the field of Natural Resources and Conservation. This means the colleges may have one or several majors that fall into this category that produce successful graduates. To learn more about how College Factual ranks schools by field of study, see this article.
1. VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITYVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, better known as Virginia Tech, is a public university that provides a strong education rooted in research. The school offers hands-on learning opportunities, which allow students to engage in the classroom, while developing analytical and innovative thinking. The College of Natural Resources and Environment houses multiple departments that expose students to specializations in fish and wildlife conservation, forest resources and environmental conservation, sustainable biomaterials and geography. Due to its exceptional education, affordable price and high earnings boost, a degree from Virginia Tech is a great choice for any student interested in this field.
2. TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITYTexas A&M is a large public university located in a small city located within a couple hours drive from Austin and Houston. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences includes a variety of majors for students interested in natural resources, wildlife management. The school is a great value, especially for in-state students and has a low student loan default rate.
3. UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDAThe University of Florida is a large public university known for providing students with a comprehensive education. The school offers a variety of programs for students interested in natural resources and conservation. The School of Forest Resources and Conservation offers programs that focus on resource management, while the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation has programs that teach students about habitat maintenance. UF boasts a high graduation rate and impressive percentage of full-time teachers.
4. OREGON STATE UNIVERSITYFounded in 1868, Oregon State University has a long tradition of providing an excellent education. The College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences combines natural and social science classes to teach students about the planet and how to develop sustainable lifestyles. Programs focus on preserving environments through biodiversity, wildlife management and conservation. The College of Forestry helps students understand resource management and develop renewable resources. No matter what discipline of natural resources and conservation you’re interested in, Oregon State has a specialization for you.
The 10 best U.S. colleges for studying natural resources and conservation
5. MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITYLocated just a few miles from Lake Superior, Michigan Tech is a public research university known for its commitment to student success. The school has a high freshman retention rate and a low student loan default rate. The natural resources management program prepares students for a numerous career options by including business and social science courses in addition to those related to ecology, sustainability and natural resource challenges.
6. NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITYNorth Carolina State is large public school located in the large city of Raleigh. The school has a high freshman retention rate and is a great value for in-state students. The College of Natural Resources is a great place for students with an interest in the environment to learn about sustainability and renewable resources. Some of the majors offered include forest management, fishery science, and natural resources policy among others.
7. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-DAVISThe environmental science and management major at UC Davis allows students to choose one of six tracks to focus on for their degree. These tracks include natural resource management and ecology, biodiversity and conservation. After completing the program, many students decide to go on to graduate school, but others enter immediately into their chosen career field as scientists, analysts and planners. Sustainability is a core value of the UC Davis community as it works to achieve the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2025.
8. UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIREThe Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at UNH offers six different undergraduate majors, including environmental conservation and sustainability, environmental and resource economics, and community and environmental planning. The department also works with the EcoQuest Education Foundation to allow students to participate in unique field studies programs. Due to its reasonable net price and numerous academic opportunities, UNH is considered a great value for your money.
9. COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITYColorado State is a large public school in a vibrant city atmosphere. The Warner College of Natural Resources offers numerous opportunities to study conservation, sustainability and environmental science. Colorado State University was involved in a recent release of bison with heirloom genetics into public grasslands near the Wyoming border.
10. UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIAThe University of Georgia was founded in 1785 and is the nation’s first state-chartered university. UGA has one of the best graduation rates in the country in addition to a high freshman retention rate and a low student default rate. The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at UGA offers four undergraduate majors, including national resources recreation and tourism (NRRT), and five certificate programs. The department is also committed to student success after graduation and provides many career services, including networking opportunities and an internal job board.
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