Natural Resources Schools and Programs in The United States

Natural Resources Studies in The United States

You can study natural resources in the United States at Colorado State University.

Natural resources as a field of study looks at how forests, rangelands, water, soils, fish and wildlife are used, managed and protected. It combines ecology and other life sciences with policy, economics and planning, because decisions about land and water are shaped by people as much as by science. In the United States the subject is usually taught in schools or colleges of forestry, agriculture or the environment, often at universities with their own research forests and field stations.

Qualifications and levels

EducationUSA describes the main US degree levels: an associate degree takes two years, a bachelor's degree four (sometimes five), a master's degree about two years and a doctorate five to eight years. In natural resources this usually means:

• Associate degrees at community and tribal colleges, either as a technical qualification or as the first half of a bachelor's degree
• Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in natural resources, forestry, wildlife, fisheries or environmental science, often with several majors or specialisations
• Master of Science (MS) degrees with or without a thesis, and professional master's degrees for people already working in the field
• Doctorates (PhD) for research, university teaching and senior science posts

Examples from the schools' own pages: the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Environment and Natural Resources, in which students choose one of five majors, as well as a Master of Science, a PhD and a professional master's. The Department of Natural Resources Management at Texas Tech University offers a BS in Natural Resources Management, a BS in Conservation Law Enforcement, master's degrees in wildlife, aquatic and wildlands science and in ranch management, a Professional Science Master's (PSM) and a PhD. Its teaching covers wildlife biology, aquatic and fisheries biology, ranch management and conservation.

Fieldwork and research

Much of the teaching happens outdoors. Purdue University's Department of Forestry and Natural Resources states that it carries out research on 25 forest properties across Indiana and in 18 labs. Oregon State University's College of Forestry celebrates 100 years of its McDonald Research Forest (1926-2026) and describes an approach that combines production, conservation, recreation and communities. Students should also expect to learn GIS, remote sensing and data analysis: the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that conservation scientists and foresters typically have a background in these tools.

Admission and visa

Bachelor's programmes ask for completed secondary education and English test scores. EducationUSA describes a "2+2" route in which two years at a community college are followed by two years at a university to complete a bachelor's degree. Master's and PhD applicants need a first degree in natural resources or a related science.

Degree students at accredited colleges and universities use the F student visa. Before applying for it, students must be accepted by a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which issues the Form I-20. According to EducationUSA, US institutions cannot issue I-20 forms for non-degree study.

Where to study natural resources in the United States

Programmes are spread across the country, and the landscape around a campus shapes what is taught: forestry in Oregon, for example, or rangeland and ranch management in Texas. Universities on this page include The Ohio State University in Columbus, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Purdue University in West Lafayette, Oregon State University in Corvallis, Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Texas Tech University in Lubbock, the University of California at Berkeley, West Virginia University in Morgantown, the University of Minnesota, the University of Connecticut and the University of Maryland. Smaller and two-year options include the College of Menominee Nation in Keshena, Wisconsin, a tribal land-grant college beside the 235,000-acre Menominee Forest, as well as Broward College in Florida and Western Nevada College.

Careers

Graduates work for federal, state and local agencies, land trusts and conservation organisations, consulting firms, forestry companies and research institutes. Typical roles include conservation scientist, forester, range manager, soil and water conservationist, wildlife or fisheries biologist and environmental planner. According to the BLS, conservation scientists and foresters typically need a bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resources or a related field, and some states require a licence. The median annual wage was $73,010 for conservation scientists and $76,400 for foresters in May 2025. Employment in these two occupations is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 3,000 openings a year.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a natural resources degree take in the United States?

A bachelor's degree takes four years, a master's about two years and a PhD five to eight years. An associate degree at a community college takes two years and can count towards a bachelor's degree.

What jobs can I get with a natural resources degree?

Common roles are conservation scientist, forester, range manager, wildlife or fisheries biologist and environmental planner, mostly in government agencies, conservation organisations and consulting.

Do I need a licence to work as a forester?

It depends on the state. The BLS notes that several states require some form of credential, and in some of them conservation scientists and foresters must be licensed.

Which visa do I need to study natural resources in the US?

Degree programmes at accredited colleges and universities use the F student visa. You first need an offer from an SEVP-certified school, which issues the Form I-20 for your visa application.