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Natural Resources
Degree Paths

The Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources (NR) incorporates an interdisciplinary approach to natural resources while focusing on the wide variety of natural resources found within the U.S. and across the world. Coursework is a mix of natural resource disciplines from the Colleges of Forestry, Agricultural Sciences, Science and Liberal Arts. Students have the opportunity to earn their degree at the Corvallis campus, Cascades campus in Bend, Eastern Oregon University in La Grande, or online through the OSU Ecampus program.

The NR degree program is extremely flexible, allowing students to combine various areas of interest into their degree.

Specialty Options

conservation law enforcement
ecological restoration
fish and wildlife conservation
forest ecosystems
human dimensions in natural resources
individualized specialty
integrated conservation analysis
landscape analysis
natural resource education
policy and management
urban forest landscapes
wildland fire ecology

Careers

Natural Resources graduates find employment with public land management agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in a wide variety of settings such as environmental groups, legislative bodies concerned with land use policy and law, public relations organizations and a range of public education activities. Career opportunities may vary depending on the specialty option chosen.

Environmental or Science Educator

Teach about trees

Teachers inspire students to seek out answers to their questions, and environmental and science education is no different. Teachers don’t just work with children; they can also educate adults in a classroom, or in other, nontraditional settings.

Salary range: $39,370-$119,410

Forest/Rangeland/Wildlife Ecologist

Organisms and environments

Ecologists can be teachers or researchers who study the relationships between plants and animals and their environments. They strive to understand the natural world and teach others about it as well.

Salary range: $34,910-$61,220

GIS Specialist

Mapmaking for the digital age

GIS stands for geographic information systems, and specialists in this area work with software to create and maintain data and maps. GIS specialists can work outside collecting fieldwork and inside, pouring over their data on computer screens.

Salary range: $40,000-$80,000

Naturalist

Loving nature

Naturalists generate interest in our world including places like parks and other natural areas. They sometimes provide interpretation for visitors, or do a variety of other interesting jobs to promote the benefits of getting outside.

Salary range: $40,000-$60,000

Riparian/Watershed Specialist

Better water for all!

These specialists can work for government agencies at all levels to coordinate advise management activities within watersheds. Duties can include planning, education, group development and going out in the field to complete stream assessments.

Salary range: $40,000-$60,000

Wetlands Restoration Specialist

Keep wet areas clean

Wetland restoration specialists work to preserve ecological sustainability of wildlife, maintain cleanliness of water resources, remove pollutants from wetlands and step in when wetlands need help. They monitor wetland areas to gather data, draft reports and share what they learn with the public. They often work outside and for government agencies or research universities.

Salary range: $20,000-$70,000

Interpreter or Recreation Guide

Share science with the public

Sometimes referred to as ‘park rangers,’ state and national parks employ interpreters and recreation guides to make visitors’ experiences more meaningful and educational. Guides accompany guests on trails, scenic overlooks and even on water. They are experts on the areas in which they work, and almost always work outside.

Salary range: $30,000-$80,000

Wildland Law Enforcement Officer

Enforce the law outside

Public lands and outside areas need law enforcement just like urban areas. Wildland officers keep people safe outdoors. They enforce laws concerning fire, theft, vandalism and more.

Salary range: $25,000-$60,000