Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Management
Why Study Natural Resources and Environmental Management?
As more users place demands on scarce environmental resources, the need for conservation and sustainability of our renewable natural assets is greater than ever. Natural resources and environmental management (NREM) students gain applied skills and knowledge of environmental stewardship through hands-on, experiential learning in indoor and outdoor field-based classes. NREM graduates are prepared to care for the land and water-based ecosystems of Michigan and beyond, and to serve the people whose well-being depends on these resources.
The Natural Resources and Environmental Management Program at GVSU
Ecology is the foundational science of the NREM program. Students learn to combine ecological knowledge with quantitative methods, economics, and policy, and address local and global natural resource-related situations. In the interdisciplinary NREM courses, students examine sources of conflict leading to environmental degradation and learn methods of sustainable resource management. Students have opportunities to develop expertise in ecosystem restoration, soil and water conservation, watershed management, recreation management, forest management, wildlife management, environmental economics and policy, conservation biology, fisheries, and applications in geographic information systems. NREM graduates pursue careers with conservation agencies and organizations including local, state, and federal government, education and advocacy organizations, environmental consulting firms, and non-profit.
Internships and Research Opportunities
NREM students may gain practical work experience through internships with natural resources and environmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry. In addition, they can arrange research projects with faculty on a wide range of topics including wildlife management, invasive species control, ecological restoration, renewable energy, and endangered species conservation.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the GVSU NREM program find work with local, state, and federal government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private environmental consulting firms. Career paths include a variety of natural resources management areas such as forestry, fisheries, wildlife, watershed management, soil and water conservation, parks and recreation, environmental protection and regulation, ecological restoration, as well as environmental policy, sustainability, and advocacy. Click here for information on how the US Forest Service recommends applying for federal jobs.
Student Activities
The student chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society enables NREM students, as well as students from other majors, to share their interest in the outdoors. Club members participate in many volunteer community service projects, including stream restoration, highway cleanup, and other fun, environmentally friendly activities.
