Applied Biological Sciences (Natural Resource Ecology) ,BS
Conservation, Ecology, Environmental, Natural Resources, Rangeland, Wildlife, approved for STEM-OPT extension, ecological restoration, habitat, soil, sustainability
Do you have a passion for wildlife, exploring nature, and seeing how our world's natural resources and lands can be managed sustainably? Gain an excellent foundation in science that enables you to build expertise for a career in conservation and restoration of biodiversity and habitats.
The concentration in natural resource ecology in the BS program in applied biological sciences provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively and sustainably manage natural resources in various ecosystems.
Students gain knowledge about essential elements of natural systems, including soils, water, and the associated plant and wildlife communities. Students also learn to measure and assess plant and animal populations through a variety of field techniques and computer tools, including geographic information systems and remote sensing. Skills and techniques are applied to case studies in the classroom and laboratory projects.
Students in this program contextualize knowledge through experience-based learning activities, including:
- faculty-guided research and service-learning projects
- field trips
- internships
- laboratories and field experiences
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
College of Integrative Sciences and Arts
-
Location:
Polytechnic
- Second language requirement: No
- First required math course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
-
Math intensity:
Moderate
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.
The natural world is complex and diverse, providing different resources from one biome to the next. It's not only natural resources that are varied across the globe --- their uses vary as well. Students who participate in Global Education programs gain a deeper understanding of global resources, how different cultures use the resources and how best to communicate sustainable use to a diverse audience.
Career opportunities include employment with public agencies and private consulting firms, as well as positions such as:
- environmental consultant
- environmental researcher and educator
- natural resource manager
- park manager
- watershed manager
- wildlife biologist or ecologist
Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
| Career | *Growth | *Median salary |
|---|---|---|
|
4.1%
|
$64,460
|
|
|
6.1%
|
$76,480
|
|
|
6.1%
|
$76,480
|
|
|
4.2%
|
$83,040
|
|
|
4.1%
|
$64,460
|
|
|
-6.3%
|
$59,500
|
|
|
3.0%
|
$67,430
|
|
|
0.6%
|
$41,520
|
|
|
4.1%
|
$64,460
|
|
|
4.7%
|
$65,730
|
School of Applied Sciences and Arts
|
SANCA 233
CISA@asu.edu
480-727-1526
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
