Natural Resources Conservation: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Natural Resources Conservation is a multidisciplinary field dedicated to the sustainable management, protection, and restoration of Earth’s vital ecosystems and finite resources. This program prepares students to address complex environmental challenges through science-based strategies, policy analysis, and hands-on stewardship practices.
- Soil Science: Examines the composition, formation, and management of soils to support agriculture, prevent erosion, and maintain land productivity.
- Water Resource Management: Focuses on the conservation, distribution, and sustainable use of freshwater systems, including surface and groundwater resources.
- Wildlife Ecology: Studies the relationships between animal populations and their habitats, emphasizing biodiversity preservation and habitat restoration.
- Ecosystem Restoration: Applies scientific principles to rehabilitate degraded landscapes, including wetlands, forests, and riparian zones, to improve ecological function.
- Land Use Planning: Integrates environmental, social, and economic factors to guide sustainable development and minimize ecological disruption.
- Environmental Policy and Law: Explores regulatory frameworks and governance structures that influence conservation efforts and natural resource use.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Investigates strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance ecosystem resilience in response to global climate shifts.
Natural Resources Conservation Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Natural Resources Conservation Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Natural Resources Conservation 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 |
Natural Resources Conservation 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 Natural Resources Conservation by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 11 institutions offering Natural Resources Conservation 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 is found at Pennsylvania State University, Main Campus (41 graduates), University of Massachusetts, Amherst (37 graduates), Northland College (13 graduates), Kansas State University (K‑State) (11 graduates), and Snow College (8 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 132 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
41 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Postbac Cert.
|
37 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Public | umass.edu |
| Northland College |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Ashland, Wisconsin | Private | northland.edu |
| Kansas State University (K‑State) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Manhattan, Kansas | Public | k-state.edu |
| Snow College |
Associate's
|
8 | Ephraim, Utah | Public | snow.edu |
| Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) |
Associate's
|
7 | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Public | sipi.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Master's
|
7 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | worldcampus.psu.edu |
| The University of Montana (UM) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Missoula, Montana | Public | umt.edu |
| University of California (UCB) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Berkeley, California | Public | berkeley.edu |
| University of New Hampshire (UNH) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Durham, New Hampshire | Public | unh.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Platteville, Wisconsin | Public | uwplatt.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Natural Resources Conservation programs
How much can I earn with a Natural Resources Conservation degree?
Salaries for Natural Resources Conservation 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 Natural Resources Conservation programs?
Currently 11 accredited institutions offer Natural Resources Conservation degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Pennsylvania State University, Main Campus (41 graduates), University of Massachusetts, Amherst (37 graduates), and Northland College (13 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 growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 221 in 2010 to 132 in 2023-24. This represents a 40% 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 Natural Resources Conservation 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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