Departments, Schools, Colleges

SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES
(RA M/RNR /WS M/WFSC/WWRR)

Contact Information:

School of Natural Resources The University of Arizona Biological Sciences East, 325 PO Box 210043 Tucson, AZ 85721-0043

Phone: (520) 621-7255 Fax: (520) 621-8801 Email: ccraddoc@email.arizona.edu Web: School Homepage

Go directly to:

• RA M Course Descriptions: Range Management
• RNR  Course Descriptions: Renewable Natural Resources
• WS M Course Descriptions: Watershed Management
• WFSC Course Descriptions: Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Degrees, Majors, Minors and Options:

Baccalaureate Degree

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Graduate Degrees -- consult the Graduate Catalog or department office for details.

• Master of Science (M.S.)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Graduate Certificates -- consult the Graduate Catalog or the college office for details.

·         Geographic Information Science Graduate Certificate

Majors and Degrees -- degrees link to the Degree/Academic Program Requirements Reports (APRRs).

• Natural Resources (M.S., Ph.D.)
  • Natural Resources M.S. and Ph.D. Options:
    • Rangeland Science and Management Option
    • Renewable Natural Resource Studies Option
    • Watershed Hydrology & Management Option
    • Wildlife & Fisheries Science Option
• Natural Resources (B.S.)
  • Natural Resources B.S. Options:
    • Conservation Biology Option
    • Fisheries Conservation and Management Option
    • Landscape Assessment and Analysis Option
    • Rangeland Ecology and Management Option
    • Watershed Hydrology and Management Option
    • Wildlife Conservation and Management Option
• Natural Resources M.S. and Business Administration M.B.A. -- Dual degree program

Undergraduate Minors -- minors link to Minor Requirement Reports.

The undergraduate programs do not require a minor; however, students may select an optional minor from the list of approved minors.  Minors available within the school are:

• Natural Resources Minor

Introduction:

The School of Natural Resources is administered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The School is concerned with the management and conservation of natural ecosystems of arid and semi-arid environments. Programs of study in the School prepare students for careers in management and research with environmental science and natural resource agencies and organizations that require fundamental knowledge about the science, planning and management of natural systems to provide the resources of water, wood, forage, wildlife, fisheries, recreation, and aesthetic values.

Wildlife, Watershed and Rangeland Resources Major:

A major in wildlife, watershed, and rangeland resources covers skills and information important for working with all natural resources, but students also must select one of the 'Options' described below. The degree is composed of general education and supporting science courses, a series of interdisciplinary renewable natural resource courses, and courses that develop professional skills. The natural resource core curriculum is designed to integrate subjects of importance to all students in renewable natural resource fields, to introduce students to the interdisciplinary nature of resource management, and to develop an understanding of multiple-use management systems.

The landscape assessment and analysis option provides students with a strong background in the basic sciences, natural resource management, and computer technology and geographic information systems (GIS).  This option prepares students for a career in resource inventory, monitoring, and mapping; or in spatial analysis and planning for natural resource and environmental management; or as an information specialist for a natural resource or environmental management organization.  Students will have excellent employment opportunities.  The faculty believe in "hands-on" experiences as part of learning so all GIS-based courses have extensive computer laboratory components, and students are required to complete a senior project.

Rangeland Science and Management Option:

The option in rangeland science management prepares students to begin professional careers concerned with management of rangelands for livestock production, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and other rangeland resource values. Rangeland management students obtain a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources with a major in wildlife, watershed and rangeland resources. The B.S. in Natural Resources meets standards for federal employment as a range conservationist and is accredited by the Society for Range Management.

Rangeland management students may tailor their program to career objectives by selecting appropriate minors and/or elective courses. Students planning a career in federal or state rangeland management agencies are advised to select courses in wildlife science or watershed management. Those interested in ranch management, agricultural lending institutions, private consulting, international development, ranch appraising, or similar careers should consult the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics for a minor in agricultural and resource economics. Students planning on careers in research or teaching may wish to emphasize additional basic sciences and mathematics.

Watershed Hydrology and Management Option:

Watershed management courses, which consider the management needs of whole watersheds and their multiple uses, qualify the student for a professional career with resource management agencies. Emphasis is placed on the use and protection of forests and rangelands in the Southwest for the critical resources of water, wildlife habitat, recreation, and other values. Students in watershed management may select one of several areas of specialization to further develop their knowledge in physical hydrology, forest hydrology, advanced technology rangeland hydrology, soil hydrology, water quality, or aquatic biology.

Wildlife Science and Fisheries Science Options:

Two closely related options, wildlife science and fisheries science, prepare students for careers that apply ecological sciences for the management and conservation of fish and wildlife resources. Career opportunities include positions with state fish and wildlife agencies, federal wildlife and land management agencies, environmental consulting firms, and nongovernmental conservation organizations.  Students are encouraged to obtain practical experience as summer employees, interns, or volunteers with natural resource management agencies or conservation organizations.