by our College Data Analytics TeamNatural resources and conservation are hot topics in our society. Many are concerned about the world's quickly depleting resources, whether it is oil, forests or endangered species. If you are passionate about this topic and believe you would like to help make a difference, a major in Natural Resource Conservation is just the beginning.
There are many different majors within the Natural Resources and Conservation field of study. A Natural Resources Management degree will provide the skills to manage how resources are used while majoring in Natural Resource Conservation will teach you how to productively and responsibly use the Earth's resources. If you prefer to work with animals, you can learn about habitat management with a major in Wildlife Management or specialize with a major in Fisheries Sciences. If you believe Natural Resources and Conservation is the field of study for you, any one of these majors will allow you to work in the field you are passionate about.
In 2021-2022, natural resources & conservation was the 25th most popular major nationwide with 31,316 degrees awarded. This year's Best Natural Resources & Conservation Schools ranking compares 241 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom natural resources & conservation rankings further below.
Most of the majors within Natural Resources and Conservation are based heavily in sciences making a background in sciences very beneficial. Other essential skills are critical thinking and problem solving. Careers in this field require professionals to analyze different problems related to natural resources or habitats and create solutions. A love for the outdoors and a desire to save habitats is vital for anyone in this field.
natural resources & conservation degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Once you obtain your degree, additional natural resources & conservation certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
Natural Resources & Conservation degree levels vary. Natural Resources & Conservation programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest natural resources & conservation degree you can get. The time it takes to complete a natural resources & conservation degree varies depending on the program.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to natural resources & conservation, with approximately 37.1% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for natural resources & conservation workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 31.9% |
| High School Diploma | 15.3% |
| Master’s Degree | 12.8% |
| Doctoral Degree | 8.4% |
| Some College Courses | 7.5% |
62.6% of natural resources & conservation workers have at least a bachelor's. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in natural resources & conservation have received.
This of course varies depending on which natural resources & conservation career you choose.
Depending on your major, there are many possibilities for a career in natural resource conservation. Graduates often work for state or federal government agencies focusing on resource or wildlife conservation. Graduates also have the option to work in labs or perform fieldwork. Depending on your level of education, you may be able to perform your own independent research and publish findings. No matter what type of career you want, there are many opportunities available. Your possibilities are endless.
Want a job when you graduate with your natural resources & conservation degree? Natural Resources & Conservation careers are expected to grow 7.4% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to natural resources & conservation.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Managers | 1,071,700 | 8.0% |
| Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | 731,900 | 7.0% |
| Firefighters | 350,900 | 7.2% |
| Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Recreational Protective Service Workers | 163,700 | 7.6% |
| Police and Detective Supervisors | 111,600 | 6.6% |
Recently graduated natural resources & conservation students earned an average of $37,436 in <nil>. Earnings can range from as low as $15,681 to as high as $81,807. As you might expect, salaries for natural resources & conservation graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for natural resources & conservation graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers natural resources & conservation grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Managers | $115,590 |
| Police and Detective Supervisors | $93,100 |
| Forestry & Conservation Science Professors | $92,550 |
| Environmental Science Professors | $91,330 |
| Fire Fighting Supervisors | $80,310 |
With over 3,073 different natural resources & conservation degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased natural resources & conservation school rankings to help you with this.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Natural Resources Conservation | 22,926 |
| Natural Resource Management | 3,039 |
| Wildlife Management | 2,446 |
| Forestry | 2,247 |
| Fisheries Sciences | 506 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Engineering | 192,474 |
| Biological & Biomedical Sciences | 180,206 |
| Engineering Technologies | 84,036 |
| Mathematics & Statistics | 50,646 |
| Agriculture & Agriculture Operations | 50,343 |
