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

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

Students enrolled in the Academic Accelerator Program will receive:

Tailored support for academic and English-language needs

A full year’s worth of college credits

Access to courses specifically for international students

Assistance with English vocabulary essential for classes

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

The School of Renewable Natural Resources offers a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Ecology and Management. This program provides a diverse curriculum with opportunities to study wetlands, wildlife, conservation biology, fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, habitat management, and law enforcement. Students can also prepare for careers as wildlife-oriented veterinarians. The program sets itself apart from traditional biology programs by incorporating a hands-on learning approach and introducing resource policy, regulations, and human aspects of resource research and management. Field experiences in forests, wetlands, and water are integral to the program.

The curriculum is designed 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 agencies, non-governmental organizations like The Nature Conservancy, environmental consulting firms, or pursue further education in veterinary school or graduate programs.

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

Students in the 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 Wildlife Habitat Conservation and Management Concentration.

Students in the Wildlife Habitat Conservation and Management Concentration focus on managing habitats to support wildlife. They can choose between paths emphasizing wetland wildlife habitat or forest management, including an 8-week forestry camp at Lee Memorial Forest.