Natural Resources Conservation and Research: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Natural Resources Conservation and Research is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to the sustainable management, protection, and scientific study of Earth’s vital ecosystems and resources. This program equips students with advanced knowledge and practical skills to address pressing environmental challenges, from habitat degradation to climate change, through evidence-based strategies and innovative research.
- Ecosystem Management: Study of how to maintain ecological balance and functionality across forests, wetlands, grasslands, and other biomes through adaptive planning and restoration techniques.
- Soil and Water Conservation: Exploration of methods to prevent erosion, improve soil fertility, and ensure the sustainable use of water resources in agricultural and natural landscapes.
- Wildlife and Habitat Preservation: Research and application of strategies to protect biodiversity, support endangered species, and restore critical habitats disrupted by human activity.
- Environmental Policy and Ethics: Analysis of regulatory frameworks, conservation laws, and ethical considerations guiding land use decisions and resource allocation.
- Remote Sensing and GIS Applications: Use of geospatial technologies to monitor environmental changes, model ecosystem dynamics, and support data-driven conservation planning.
- Sustainable Land Use Planning: Development of strategies that balance economic development with ecological integrity, focusing on long-term resilience and resource efficiency.
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Investigation into how natural systems can be leveraged to sequester carbon, reduce vulnerability, and build adaptive capacity in vulnerable regions.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Natural Resources Conservation and Research degrees, including . These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements.
Career salary data is not available for this program.
Top Universities for Natural Resources Conservation and Research by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 18 institutions offering Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Natural Resources Conservation and Research is found at University of California (UCB), Berkeley (52 graduates), Stanford University (33 graduates), University of Idaho (U of I) (26 graduates), St Lawrence University (26 graduates), and Broward College (BC) (25 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 250 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California (UCB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
52 | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| Stanford University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
33 | Stanford, California | Private | stanford.edu |
| University of Idaho (U of I) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
Other Award
|
26 | Moscow, Idaho | Public | uidaho.edu |
| St Lawrence University |
Bachelor's
|
26 | Canton, New York | Private | stlawu.edu |
| Broward College (BC) |
Bachelor's
|
25 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Public | broward.edu |
| University of Minnesota (UMN) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
13 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | twin-cities.umn.edu |
| University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) |
Master's
|
13 | Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands | Public | uvi.edu |
| Central Washington University (CWU) |
Master's
|
11 | Ellensburg, Washington | Public | cwu.edu |
| Northland College |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Ashland, Wisconsin | Private | northland.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| University of Delaware (UD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
9 | Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
| University of Louisiana (UL Lafayette) |
Master's
|
6 | Lafayette, Louisiana | Public | louisiana.edu |
| The University of Montana (UMW) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Dillon, Montana | Public | umwestern.edu |
| Mount Mercy University (MMU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Private | mtmercy.edu |
| SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) |
Master's
|
3 | Syracuse, New York | Public | esf.edu |
| Delaware State University (DSU) |
Master's
|
1 | Dover, Delaware | Public | desu.edu |
| SUNY College |
Master's
|
1 | Plattsburgh, New York | Public | plattsburgh.edu |
| University of Wisconsin (UWGB) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Green Bay, Wisconsin | Public | uwgb.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs
Which universities have the largest Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs?
Currently 18 accredited institutions offer Natural Resources Conservation and Research degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCB), Berkeley (52 graduates), Stanford University (33 graduates), and University of Idaho (U of I) (26 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Natural Resources Conservation and Research growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 114 in 2010 to 250 in 2023-24. This represents a 119% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
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