Human Dimensions of Natural Resources

The source of many challenges in natural resources involves human behavior, and solutions to those challenges requires innovative problem-solving, a deep understanding of complex issues, and collective action. This major is focused on understanding the social aspects of natural resources, and developing the skills to assess, plan and implement strategies that lead to successful conservation.  Curriculum for this major trains students in the areas of communication, leadership, systems thinking, collaboration, conflict management, decision-making, social science research in conservation, and conservation planning and management. 

Students will:

• Comprehend the institutions, policies and actors that influence conservation outcomes and historical perspectives
• Understand the role of social science in achieving conservation outcomes
• Recognize and articulate the interdependencies and linkages within social-ecological systems, and how these linkages assist in understanding the drivers, processes and outcomes of environmental issues
• Gain appreciation for the value and benefit in addressing environmental issues through inclusive processes that invite a diversity of perspectives, world views and ways of knowing
• Acquire skills to critically analyze social science research, and examine the role between human dimensions research and environmental decision-making
• Gain skills to effectively engage stakeholders in conservation action, and recognize their personal strengths and limits in influencing others to achieve positive conservation outcomes
• Acquire skills to effectively plan, design and deliver communication campaigns to achieve environmental outcomes
• Comprehend and critically analyze the policies, institutions and actors that influence environmental decision-making at different scales
• Gain the skills to effectively address conservation problems through application of theory, inquiry, planning and related techniques

Students are prepared for various positions with local, state and federal land management and natural resource agencies in the United States. Opportunities are also available both domestically and abroad with non-governmental, and nonprofit conservation and development organizations as well as private foundations. Examples of the types of positions include conservation planner/administrator, environmental communication specialist, conservation/environmental educator, nature center coordinator, visitor services manager, public outreach coordinator, public information officer, protected area manager, park/wilderness ranger, communication coordinator, policy liaison, environmental analyst, sustainability manager and others.

Application Materials

All applicants for admission must submit an online application, $50 application fee or fee waiver request, and academic transcripts. Freshman/first-year applicants are required to submit a personal statement. The application includes an optional Academic Explanation section for applicants to provide more context for their performance and/or enrollment history. Recommendations and ACT/SAT scores are not required. The Office of Admissions may request additional information before completing a full review of an applicant’s application file.

Refer to the appropriate application guides for details.

Application Fee or Fee Waiver

An application fee is required as part of a complete application; a decision cannot be rendered without it. If payment of the application fee presents a financial hardship, applicants can request a fee waiver.

Refer to the Office of Admissions website for the application fee refund policy.

High School Transcript and proof of graduation (or equivalent)

High school performance, as reflected on a student's transcript(s), is an essential component of the admission decision for all freshman/first-year applicants and for transfer applicants with fewer than 30 post-high school credits.

High school transcripts for transfer applicants with more than 30 post-high school credits are considered only when needed to satisfy the admission requirement in mathematics.

All freshman/first year applicants and all transfers with fewer than 60 post-high school college credits must submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent prior to the start of their first semester of enrollment.

ACT/SAT results

ACT or SAT test scores are not required. Our review process is individualized, includes a range of academic and personal factors and emphasizes students’ efforts and achievement demonstrated over 3-4 years. Test scores are not given much weight in the admission decision and are not considered at all for scholarships. Students who wish to have their scores considered in the admission decision should email [email protected] with this request.

ACT or SAT results can be used for composition placement purposes and thus can be helpful to submit by any incoming student before orientation/registration.

College Transcript(s)

Freshman/first-year applicants typically are required to submit an official college transcript at the point of application only if college enrollment is being used as their full-time high school curriculum (such as early college, ASCENT and fifth-year programs, and some homeschool curricula). Refer to College-Level Courses Completed by High School Students for additional information.

Transfer applicants must submit an official college transcript from each college attended, regardless of the type of institution, amount or type of credit earned, and age of the credential, even if the work will be reflected in transfer on another transcript. No part of the previous collegiate record may be disregarded. Failure to include all institutions previously attended may result in the rescinding of admission, loss of credit, or disenrollment. Transcripts reflecting courses taken at vocational-technical institutes or colleges that are not regionally accredited can be helpful documentation and may be required, though they do not qualify an applicant for transfer applicant status or advanced-standing credit. 

Second Bachelor applicants are only required to submit an official transcript from the college/university from which they earned their first (or most recent) bachelor's degree. Official transcripts from other colleges/universities attended (if applicable) are encouraged if an applicant is seeking a competitive major or to demonstrate explicit pre-requisites for their new degree program.

Advanced standing credit (transfer credit) is only awarded from an official transcript.

International Applicants: Additional Requirements

In addition to the documents outlined above, applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the US also may be prompted to submit the following:

• A certified English translation of any academic credentials not in English
• Evidence of English Proficiency to be considered for direct admission
• An Immigration Information Form, financial support documentation and a copy of the passport identification page for immigration documentation

Application Timelines 

Students can begin their enrollment during fall semester (August start), spring semester (January start) or summer term (May/June start; not recommended for freshman/first-year students).

Applicants are encouraged to apply 6-12 months prior to the start of the term. Freshman/first-year applicants must have completed at least 75% of their high school curriculum (through junior year equivalent) before a decision can be rendered; transfer applicants must have no more than one academic term in progress when a decision is rendered. Second bachelor’s/post-bachelor candidates must be finished with their first degree or in their final term of enrollment with degree pending for a decision to be rendered.

Refer to the appropriate application guides for more detail about application dates and timelines.