Natural Resources Ecosystem AssessmentCurriculum: by semester | detailed view
FER Home : Undergraduates : Natural Resources Ecosystem Assessment
What you like to work on the frontline of helping to solve the world’s environmental problems? Are you fascinated by the interplay of different environmental factors and human behavior? Is your goal to make sure people balance resource use with preservation? Are you interested in a hands-on field career or seeking a strong base for a graduate or environmental law degree? If so, Natural Resources Ecosystem Assessment may be right for you.
Ecosystem Assessment is an environmental specialty field that requires an understanding of ecosystem structures and processes, especially the science of measuring and monitoring natural resources. Natural Resources - Ecosystem Assessment majors begin their education by taking part in our interdisciplinary Natural Resources program, which provides a strong grounding in basic earth and biological sciences. They then enter a comprehensive, science-based program that teaches them how to inventory and describe the many different characteristics of natural ecosystems and to evaluate the impact of management practices. They learn to do this by applying standard classification systems such as wildlife habitat evaluation procedures and the federal wetland delineation criteria.
Because our faculty are involved in a wide variety of research efforts aimed at improving how natural resources are used, managed, conserved and restored, undergraduates are often given opportunities to observe or participate in real-life research projects. After your junior year, you take part in an internship program to get hands-on experience under the guidance of working professionals.
By the time students graduate, they will have practical experience and a strong working knowledge of all the principles needed to measure and monitor the status of natural resources and the environment.
The Natural Resources Ecosystem Assessment major is part of an exciting network of academic programs coordinated by the Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources Academic Programs (ESNR) at NC State University. Find out more about ESNR >>
Curriculum
The Natural Resources Ecosystem Assessment curriculum features a strong background of basic science courses and fosters a working knowledge of many disciplines. Students in this program will take a broad array of courses including such topics as biology, vegetation sampling, soils, hydrology, wildlife and fisheries habitat, and computer technology, to name a few.
View the courses you will take for a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources with a concentration in Ecosystem Assessment:
Eight Semester Display or Degree Audit Information View.
View the Natural Resources Ecosystem Assessments Program Educational Objectives.
Professional Development
A professional development program is integrated into the curriculum that consists of a required summer work experience between the junior and senior years and two professional development courses. One of the senior courses consists of written and oral reports on each student's summer work experience and professional development activities. Juniors prepare for this summer internship by participating in senior presentations and with the help of faculty who assists the students in finding an appropriate summer job.
Natural Resource students report learning much about themselves as well as their career goals and options through the professional development series. Many of our Natural Resources Ecosystem Assessment majors also in the many Study Abroad opportunities available at NC State.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Ecosystem Assessment program are needed in a variety of public and private organizations involved in environmental regulation and management, education and recreation. For example, you might obtain a job working with the wetlands protection programs of the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Army Corps of Engineers, or with various environmental regulatory programs of state and local governments. Non-profit organizations and private environmental consulting firms also need entry-level professionals with broad skills in the field of environmental assessment.
The background provided by this major also excellent preparation for graduate school, including law school or medical school. The Summer Internships often lead to offers of permanent employment.
View the Natural Resources Overview Flyer.
