Academic Accelerator - Bachelor of Science - Natural Resource Ecology and Management - Ecological Restoration

The Academic Accelerator Program (AAP) is a well-rounded first-year program designed for international students with strong English-language skills. It complements immersive classes conducted in English with appropriate support.

Students enrolled in the Academic Accelerator will benefit from:

Tailored academic and English-language support

A full year’s worth of college credits

Access to courses specifically for international students

Assistance with English vocabulary essential for coursework

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

The School of Renewable Natural Resources provides a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resource Ecology and Management. The curriculum is extensive, offering opportunities to explore wetlands, wildlife, conservation biology, fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, habitat management, and law enforcement. Students in this program can also prepare for careers as wildlife-focused veterinarians.

Distinguishing itself from traditional biology programs, this program emphasizes hands-on learning and introduces students to resource policy, regulations, and the human aspects of resource research and management. Field experiences in forests, wetlands, and aquatic environments are integral to the program. Notably, the focus is on habitats, animal populations and communities, people management, rather than individual animals.

The curriculum is designed to enable students to become certified professional scientists by organizations such as The Wildlife Society, American Fisheries Society, or the Society of Wetland Scientists. Graduates typically find employment with state or federal wildlife and fisheries agencies, conservation organizations, environmental consulting firms, or pursue further education in veterinary science or research-oriented degrees.

The B.S. in Natural Resource Ecology and Management boasts unique facilities and resources, including access to the School’s Lee Memorial Forest, equipped with dormitories and teaching facilities. The School also provides vans and trucks for off-campus field trips and activities.

Students in this program can specialize in areas such as Conservation Biology, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Habitat Conservation and Management, Wetland Science, Ecological Restoration, Forest Enterprise, Forest Resource Management, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, or Ecological Restoration Concentration. Those focusing on Ecological Restoration are interested in utilizing forestry and natural resource management principles to conserve and restore impacted landscapes.