Natural Resources B.S.

Ecological restoration is the processes of repairing ecosystems that have been damaged due to human or natural influences. Courses in this emphasis provide an interdisciplinary background that encompasses restoration and management of terrestrial and wetland ecosystems, invasive species management, conservation biology, ecology, and remediation of severely disturbed lands. The emphasis prepares students for a career as restoration practitioners and land managers with non-profit, private, or governmental agencies and for graduate school in natural resource management.

Program outcomes:

• Assess causes of land degradation and plan restoration actions that promote ecosystem health

• Understand the interactions between management practices and social factors that lead to successful project implementation

The Natural Resources BS with an emphasis in Ecological Restoration requires a minimum of 66 credits within the major.

At least 24.5 upper-division (3xxx-level or higher) credits in the major must be taken through University of Minnesota Crookston campus.

In addition to the program requirements above, students in this sub-plan must complete the following requirements.

This emphasis provides integrated instruction in natural resources management and law enforcement. General classes in natural resources, wildlife and fisheries management, forestry recreation, and land use planning are combined with criminal justice/law enforcement classes. After completing coursework and training in first aid and traffic law, students may attend a skills session and take the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification examination.

Program outcomes:

• Understand the role of education and law enforcement in natural resource management

• Be qualified to attend the peace officer's skills training academy

The Natural Resources BS with an emphasis in Natural Resources Law Enforcement requires a minimum of 78 credits within the major.

At least 24.5 upper-division (3xxx-level or higher) credits in the major must be taken through University of Minnesota Crookston campus.

In addition to the program requirements above, students in this sub-plan must complete the following requirements.

This emphasis provides an integrated approach to land use and the conservation of wildlife, fish, forest, and recreation resources. This major is especially appropriate for students seeking a broad understanding of resource management principles and environmental issues. A combination of coursework in natural resources, agriculture, and liberal education prepares students for land management positions in which a balance between environmental, economic, and social concerns is sought.

Program outcome:

• Understand ecological management principles that apply to wildlife, fish, forest, soil, water, and recreation resources

The Natural Resources BS with an emphasis in Natural Resources Management requires a minimum of 69 credits within the major.

At least 24.5 upper-division (3xxx-level or higher) credits in the major must be taken through University of Minnesota Crookston campus.

In addition to the program requirements above, students in this sub-plan must complete the following requirements.

This emphasis provides an integrated approach to park and recreation area management. A combination of natural resources, horticulture, and management courses prepare students for park and resource management positions, typically with federal/state/county/city recreation agencies. Flexibility in the choice of major electives allows students to build a customized program that meets their specific career goals.

Program outcome:

• Understand the interrelatedness of and techniques used to manage both visitor use and recreational resources

The Natural Resources BS with an emphasis in Park Management requires a minimum of 67 credits within the major.

At least 12.5 upper-division (3xxx-level or higher) credits in the major must be taken through University of Minnesota Crookston campus.

In addition to the program requirements above, students in this sub-plan must complete the following requirements.

Courses in natural resources along with agriculture, geology, soils, fisheries management, water quality, and land use planning provide a background focused on water resources. Watersheds are studied by land cover and mapping technologies in relationship to field monitoring of lakes and streams.

Program outcomes:

• Understand methods of assessing land management practices at the watershed scale and how they affect water quality

• Measure and use appropriate water quality parameters to assess the health of land and aquatic systems

• Recommend appropriate land/water management practices to achieve soil conservation and water quality goals

The Natural Resources BS with an emphasis in Water Resource Management requires a minimum of 70 credits within the major.

At least 21.5 upper-division (3xxx-level or higher) credits in the major must be taken through University of Minnesota Crookston campus.

In addition to the program requirements above, students in this sub-plan must complete the following requirements.

This emphasis concentrates on wildlife and habitats. The major focuses on land and wetland habitats and their animal associates with some emphasis on fisheries management. Graduates fulfill the educational requirements for certification as an Associate Wildlife Biologist by The Wildlife Society. Professional relationships and student development are enhanced by a student chapter of The Wildlife Society.

Program outcomes:

• Understand the interrelatedness and techniques used to manage vertebrate populations and their habitat

• Understand the dynamics of wildlife populations, habitats, and appropriate monitoring techniques

The Natural Resources BS with an emphasis in Wildlife Management requires a minimum of 72 credits within the major.

At least 24 upper-division (3xxx-level or higher) credits in the major must be taken through University of Minnesota Crookston campus.

A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for graduation.

In addition to the program requirements above, students in this sub-plan must complete the following requirements.

This program requires a minimum of 40 credits of liberal education and completion of the ten goal areas of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. The following are specific required liberal education courses.