Applied Biological Sciences (Natural Resource Ecology) ,BS
Conservation, Ecology, Environmental, Natural Resources, Rangeland, Wildlife, approved for STEM-OPT extension, ecological restoration, habitat, soil, sustainability
Are you passionate about wildlife, exploring nature and finding ways to manage our natural resources sustainably? You'll acquire a strong scientific foundation and be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in biodiversity conservation and sustainable coexistence of humans and nature.
Through the concentration in natural resource ecology within the Bachelor of Science program in applied biological sciences, students gain an in-depth understanding of sustainable resource management across diverse ecosystems. This program emphasizes the scientific principles underlying the stewardship of critical natural resources, including soil, water, flora and fauna.
Students acquire expertise in key field techniques and analytical tools --- such as quantitative ecology, geographic information systems and remote sensing --- to use as a framework to explore patterns of plant and animal distribution, diversity, physiology and conservation. These skills are further refined through the application of theoretical knowledge to case studies, laboratory work and applied projects.
Students in this program contextualize knowledge through experience-based learning activities, including:
- faculty-guided research and career-connected projects
- field trips and hands-on activities
- internships that provide professional experience
- laboratories and fieldwork integrated into the curriculum
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period 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 a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
College of Integrative Sciences and Arts
- Location:
Polytechnic
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
- First
required math course:
MAT 210 - Brief Calculus
or 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.
Through experiential learning opportunities, students develop the practical expertise necessary to pursue careers in environmental management, conservation and related fields, with a focus on maintaining ecological balance and promoting sustainability. 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
|
|
|
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.
