Department of Natural Resources Conservation

Welcome to NRC!

We’re thrilled that you are exploring our department’s offerings. This page will streamline your search for information relevant to specific interests or questions. Students who are interested in the conservation of natural resources will find a variety of undergraduate majors, academic tracks, and available minors. The links below provide specific details about curriculum, advising, and career opportunities for each program.

For prospective undergraduate students:

General information on our four undergraduate majors:

Building Materials and Wood Technology provides students with a technical and scientific understanding that promotes the development of sustainable human habitat. Students explore the properties and performance of building materials, wood products and building systems used in construction. The major provides thoughtful preparation for careers in the Building Materials, Construction, and Wood-Products Industry. 

Environmental Science major provides an understanding of the biological and physical sciences and their application to environmental problems. Our majors follow a rigorous interdisciplinary approach that prepares them to respond to urgent environmental challenges. Students learn the basic theories and techniques needed to monitor environmental quality.

 

Forestry/Urban Forestry/Arboriculture offers two distinct tracks: 1) Forest Conservation includes a background in forest ecology and the forest environment, plus professional training in silviculture, inventory and mapping, resource policy, fire control, and wildlife habitat. 2) Urban Forestry / Arboriculture focuses on the biology and management of shade trees, urban parks, and community forestry.

Natural Resource Studies is designed for students who want to develop an interdisciplinary program that fits their personal academic and career goals, especially where the other NRC majors do not meet their needs. NAREST students have the same core course requirements as other NRC majors, but design their own concentrations. 

Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation encompasses the science and art of studying, managing, conserving, and protecting wild animal populations and the ecosystems on which living things depend. Areas of focus include wetlands, habitat management, wildlife population dynamics, and fish ecology & management, as well as the identification, behavior, physiology, and evolution of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.

Student Experiences:

Hear some of the stories of past or current undergrad students in their own words:

• Tabitha Hobbs

Joining the Department of Natural Resources Conservation:

The admissions page provides guidance on how to apply either as a freshman or as a transfer student.

For prospective graduate students:

Information on our graduate programs:

• Forest Resources (MS, PhD)
• Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation (MS, PhD)

You can also find information on applying on the admissions page.

Have other questions?

Please call our main office at (413) 545-2665 or send an email to nrcinfonrcinfo(at)nrc.umass.edu [nrcinfo 'at' nrc.umass.edu]. Someone will help you or find someone to answer your question.