A major in Natural Resource Management (NRM) prepares students for careers bridging Human and environmental systems. Coursework will prepare students for engagement with the public through environmental education and provide the tools to take part in the decision-making process regarding the use or protection of our natural systems. In a combination of classroom and hands-on learning, students will gain the knowledge needed to manage human interactions with the natural world in parks and protected areas and through natural resource organizations.
Within the Natural Resource Management major, students may choose 1 of the following 2 specializations in which to focus:
Parks and Recreation- This specialization provides students with training in environmental education and interpretation, program planning, and management of a natural environment for conservation and the use of the public. Students can subspecialize in Forestry, Fisheries, Wildlife, Soil and Water, Visitor Service, or Zoo Science and Management.
Natural Resource Administration and Management- This specialization is designed for students who would like to pursue a career in conservation through the administration and management of public or non-profit organizations. Students can subspecialize in Forestry, Fisheries, Wildlife, Soil and Water, Visitor Service, or Zoo Science and Management.
Career Outcomes
On average, 91% of students in this major have acquired employment or enrolled in graduate or professional school within 6 months of graduation with an average starting salary of $38k.
Many students in NRM are hoping to pursue careers with local, state or national parks. Typically, about 1/3 of NRM grads go on to work as rangers, naturalists, administrators, and educators in a parks system. Here are some of their recent destinations:
Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, Ohio
Cleveland Metroparks, Ohio
Preservation Parks of Delaware County, Ohio
North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District, Oregon
Edisto Island State Park, NC
Grand Canyon National Park, NV
Glacier National Park, Montana
Bar Harbor National Park, Maine
Other common positions for NRM grads include public agencies, zoos, consulting firms, and recreation organizations:
Climber Apprentice, Ahlum and Arbor Tree Preservation, Ohio
Corpsmember, California Conservation Corps, California
Law Enforcement Clerk, ODNR, Ohio
Intermittent Wildlife Research Technician, ODNR - Division of Wildlife, Ohio
Animal Husbandry Technician, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio
Heart of Africa Regional Assistant, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Ohio
Soil Conservationist, NRCS, South Dakota
Assistant Mountain Instructor, North Carolina Outward Bound School, North Carolina
Medical Service Corps Officer, US Army Puerto Rico National Guard, Puerto Rico
Wildland Firefighter, US Bureau of Land Management, Colorado
Hydrologic Technician, US Geological Survey, Ohio
Aquatic Specialist, AQUA DOC Lake and Pond Management, Ohio
ZooKids Instructor, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Ohio
Forestry Technician, Preserve Coordinator, North Central Ohio Land Conservancy, Ohio
Sustainability Coordinator- Office of Business Advancement, The Ohio State University, Ohio
Interpretive Backcountry Hiking Guide, Walking Mountains Science Center, Colorado
Youth and Adult Programs Educator, The Dawes Arboretum, Ohio
Sustainability Programs Educator, Franklin Park Conservatory, Ohio
Field Technician, Midwest Biodiversity Institute, Ohio
Environmental Consultant, August Mack Environmental, Ohio
Graduate School Outcomes
In a typical year, 4% of NRM grads go directly into graduate or professional school.
Here are a few degree programs pursued by NRM graduates in the past five years:
Case Western Reserve University, Doctorate of Law
The Ohio State Uiversity, Plant Health Management
The Ohio State University, Environment and Natural Resources
