Academic Accelerator - Bachelor of Science - Natural Resource Ecology and Management - Pre-veterinary Medicine - Wildlife and Fisheries

The Academic Accelerator Program (AAP) is a comprehensive first-year program designed for international students with proficient English-language skills. It complements immersive English-taught classes with appropriate support to ensure academic success.

Students enrolled in the Academic Accelerator Program will benefit from:

Tailored academic and English language support

Completion of a full year’s worth of college credits

Access to courses specifically designed for international students

Assistance with English vocabulary essential for coursework

A diverse mix of classes with both international and U.S. students

The Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Ecology and Management offered by the School of Renewable Natural Resources provides a varied curriculum with a focus on wetlands, wildlife, conservation biology, fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, habitat management, and law enforcement. This program also prepares students for careers as wildlife-oriented veterinarians, distinguishing itself from traditional biology programs by emphasizing hands-on learning and integrating resource policy, regulations, and human aspects of resource research and management.

Graduates of this program have the opportunity to become certified professional scientists by organizations such as The Wildlife Society, American Fisheries Society, or the Society of Wetland Scientists. They may pursue careers in state or federal wildlife and fisheries agencies, environmental consulting firms, or continue their education in veterinary school or advanced research-oriented degrees.

The B.S. in Natural Resource Ecology and Management offers unique facilities and resources, including access to the School’s Lee Memorial Forest, vans and trucks for off-campus field trips, and specialized courses for students to choose from.

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 Pre-Vet Wildlife with a concentration in Wildlife and Fisheries.

Those pursuing a career as a wildlife or zoo veterinarian will find the necessary courses for application to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine within this program. These veterinarians typically work for state or federal agencies, environmental organizations, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, or zoos and aquariums.