Applied Biological Sciences (Natural Resource Ecology), BS
Dig into sustainable resource management across diverse ecosystems. With a scientific emphasis on soil, water, flora and fauna, this program equips you to study and manage these natural systems.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Program description
Through the concentration in natural resource ecology within the Bachelor of Science program in applied biological sciences, you gain an in-depth understanding of sustainable resource management across diverse ecosystems. This program emphasizes the scientific principles underlying the stewardship of critical natural resources, including soil, water, flora and fauna.
You acquire expertise in key field techniques and analytical tools --- such as quantitative ecology, geographic information systems and remote sensing --- to use as a framework to explore patterns of plant and animal distribution, diversity, physiology and conservation. These skills are further refined through the application of theoretical knowledge to case studies, laboratory work and applied projects.
You contextualize knowledge through experience-based learning activities, including:
- faculty-guided research and career-connected projects
- field trips and hands-on activities
- internships that provide professional experience
- laboratories and fieldwork integrated into the curriculum
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| ABS 390 Professional Identity and Career Foundation |
| ABS 490 Applied Biological Sciences Seminar |
| BIO 181 General Biology I |
| BIO 182 General Biology II |
| BIO 340 General Genetics |
| ABS 100 Discovering the Professions |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
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See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
The natural world is complex and diverse, providing different resources from one biome to the next. It's not only natural resources that are varied across the globe --- their uses vary as well. Students who participate in Global Education programs gain a deeper understanding of global resources, how different cultures use the resources and how best to communicate sustainable use to a diverse audience.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Analyst | 5.3% | $73,010 | Learn more |
| Environmental Protection Specialist | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Environmental Restoration Planner | 6.1% | $82,220 | Learn more |
| Environmental Sciences Professor | 2.7% | $94,980 | Learn more |
| Farm Manager | 5.3% | $73,010 | Learn more |
| Fish and Wildlife Biologist | 3.6% | $76,780 | Learn more |
| Forestry Technician | -2.1% | $54,560 | Learn more |
| Park Ranger | 5.3% | $73,010 | Learn more |
| Soil Scientist | 6.7% | $78,850 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this natural resource ecology concentration prepares you for
Through experiential learning opportunities, students develop the practical expertise necessary to pursue careers in environmental management, conservation and related fields, with a focus on maintaining ecological balance and promoting sustainability. Career opportunities include employment with public agencies and private consulting firms, as well as positions such as:
- environmental consultant
- environmental researcher and educator
- natural resource manager
- park manager
- watershed manager
- wildlife biologist or ecologist
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Applied Sciences and Arts
|
SANCA 233
CISA@asu.edu
480-727-1526
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
