Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy prepares students to address complex challenges related to the sustainable use, protection, and governance of Earth’s ecosystems and natural assets. This interdisciplinary field integrates science, policy, and management practices to foster resilient environments and informed decision-making in the face of climate change, resource scarcity, and ecological degradation.
- Environmental Policy Analysis: Examines the development, implementation, and evaluation of laws, regulations, and international agreements designed to protect natural systems and promote sustainability.
- Natural Resource Economics: Explores the economic principles underlying the allocation, valuation, and management of finite resources such as water, forests, minerals, and energy.
- Ecosystem Management: Focuses on maintaining biodiversity, restoring degraded habitats, and applying science-based strategies to sustain ecological functions across landscapes.
- Conservation Planning: Involves designing and implementing strategies to protect endangered species, critical habitats, and protected areas through spatial analysis and stakeholder engagement.
- Environmental Law and Governance: Studies legal frameworks at local, national, and global levels that regulate human interactions with the environment and ensure accountability.
- Sustainable Development Practices: Integrates environmental, social, and economic dimensions to support long-term planning and innovation in urban, rural, and industrial contexts.
- Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: Addresses strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience in communities and ecosystems facing climate impacts.
Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy degrees, including Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary. 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. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,310 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1043 | $100,830 | $58,670 - $154,630 | 1,310 | N/A |
Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $71,670 in Arizona to $133,540 in Michigan—a 86% difference. The highest-paying states include Michigan, Virginia, and Tennessee. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,310 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 22 institutions offering Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy 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 Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy is found at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo (138 graduates), Ohio State University, Main Campus (44 graduates), Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) (32 graduates), Ogeechee Technical College (OTC) (23 graduates), and Pennsylvania State University, World Campus (22 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 362 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) |
Bachelor's
|
138 | San Luis Obispo, California | Public | calpoly.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
|
44 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
32 | Thomasville, Georgia | Public | southernregional.edu |
| Ogeechee Technical College (OTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
23 | Statesboro, Georgia | Public | ogeecheetech.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
|
22 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | worldcampus.psu.edu |
| St Petersburg College (SPC) |
Bachelor's
|
17 | St. Petersburg, Florida | Public | spcollege.edu |
| Glenville State University (GSU) |
Bachelor's
|
17 | Glenville, West Virginia | Public | glenville.edu |
| Everglades University |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Boca Raton, Florida | Private | evergladesuniversity.edu |
| California State University (CSUB) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Bakersfield, California | Public | csub.edu |
| Lipscomb University |
Master's
|
9 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | lipscomb.edu |
| Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
8 | Colorado Springs, Colorado | Public | pikespeak.edu |
| Hocking College |
Associate's
|
8 | Nelsonville, Ohio | Public | hocking.edu |
| University of Arkansas (UAPB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
6 | Pine Bluff, Arkansas | Public | uapb.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly Humboldt) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Arcata, California | Public | humboldt.edu |
| University of Miami (UM) |
Other Award
|
2 | Coral Gables, Florida | Private | miami.edu |
| Southeastern Technical College (STC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Vidalia, Georgia | Public | southeasterntech.edu |
| University of North Dakota (UND) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Public | und.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| University of Rhode Island (URI) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Kingston, Rhode Island | Public | web.uri.edu |
| Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University (LCOOU) |
Associate's
|
1 | Hayward, Wisconsin | Public | lco.edu |
| Clinton Essex Warren Washington BOCES (CVES BOCES) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Plattsburgh, New York | Public | cves.org |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy programs
How much can I earn with a Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy degree?
Salaries for Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy graduates vary by role and location. Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $100,830 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Michigan average $133,540 compared to $71,670 in Arizona. Approximately 1,310 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy programs?
Currently 22 accredited institutions offer Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo (138 graduates), Ohio State University, Main Campus (44 graduates), and Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) (32 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 Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 619 in 2010 to a peak of 391 in 2020, before declining slightly to 362 in 2023-24. This represents a 42% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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.
What career paths are available with a Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 1,310 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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