Academic Accelerator - Bachelor of Science - Natural Resource Ecology and Management - Conservation Biology

The Academic Accelerator Program (AAP) is a well-rounded first-year program designed for international students with strong English-language skills. It complements immersive English-taught classes with the necessary level of support.

As a student in the Academic Accelerator, individuals will receive:

Appropriate support for academic and English-speaking requirements

A full year’s worth of college credits

Access to courses specifically for international students

Assistance with English language terms essential for classes

A blend of classes with both international and U.S. students

The School of Renewable Natural Resources provides a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Ecology and Management. The curriculum is varied, offering opportunities to explore wetlands, wildlife, conservation biology, fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, habitat management, and law enforcement. Additionally, students in this program can prepare for careers as wildlife-focused veterinarians. This program sets itself apart from traditional biology programs by incorporating hands-on learning and introducing resource policy, regulations, and human aspects of resource research and management. Students can anticipate field experiences in forests, wetlands, and aquatic environments. Notably, the program emphasizes habitats, animal populations and communities, people management, rather than individual animals.

This curriculum is structured to enable students to become certified professional scientists by The Wildlife Society, American Fisheries Society, or the Society of Wetland Scientists. Graduates may find employment with state or federal wildlife and fisheries agencies, land management organizations, environmental consulting firms, or pursue further education in veterinary school or advanced research-oriented degrees.

Distinguishing facilities and resources are key features of the B.S. in Natural Resource Ecology and Management. Students will have the opportunity to take courses and utilize the School’s Lee Memorial Forest, equipped with dormitories and teaching facilities, and actively managed as a forest. Additionally, the School provides vans and trucks for off-campus field trips and activities.

Students pursuing the B.S. in Natural Resources Ecology and Management can specialize in:

Conservation Biology

Fisheries and Aquaculture

Wildlife Ecology

Wildlife Habitat Conservation and Management

Wetland Science

Ecological Restoration

Forest Enterprise

Forest Resource Management

Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Conservation Biology Concentration

Students in the Conservation Biology concentration focus on preserving rare, uncommon, threatened, or endangered species. They are interested in understanding habitat manipulations and genetic approaches to enhance these species.