About

Complete courses in the natural sciences to gain a better understanding of environmental systems and courses in the social sciences to better understand how decisions are made regarding the use or protection of those systems.

Natural Resource Management

Degree: BS

Campus: Columbus

School: Environment and Natural Resources

The natural resource management program focuses on the connection between environmental systems and the social sciences. Course work will help students understand how decisions are made regarding the use or protection of our natural systems. In a combination of classroom and handsÂ-on learning, students will gain the knowledge needed to manage human interactions with the natural world in parks and protected areas, natural resource organizations, or agriculture and food systems.

Get started

Admitted students can directly enroll as majors in natural resource management within the School of Environment and Natural Resources. A studentâ€™s first year will include several foundational courses in environment and natural resources as well as general education requirements such as mathematics, chemistry, biology, the humanities, etc.

Curriculum

Using a mix of classroom and experiential learning, students develop knowledge and skills in a selected specialization area to manage human interactions with the natural world in parks and protected areas, natural resource organizations, or agriculture and food systems.

The following foundational courses provide an initial exposure to an array of issues that impact natural resources, focusing on physical and natural sciences as well as the social sciences.

Introduction to Environmental Science
Society and Natural Resources
Introduction to Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife
Introduction to Soil Science

Specializations

The parks and recreation specialization includes course work in communication, law and planning, and focused training in a particular aspect of recreation through courses in forestry, fisheries, wildlife; soil and water; visitor services; or zoo science and management.

The natural resource administration and management specialization includes course work in communication, law, planning, leadership and finance. Students may then choose to pursue a depth of understanding in a particular natural resource content area (forestry, fisheries, wildlife; soil and water; visitor services; or zoo science and management) or increase their breadth of knowledge by selecting courses across these areas.

Students in the sustainable agriculture specialization gain knowledge and practical experience in the development of sustainable agriculture. Students can further gain additional expertise in a particular area of sustainable agriculture, including production related skills, planning for sustainable agriculture and food systems, or business management.

Study abroad

All students are encouraged to gain an international experience with study abroad. Several study tours offer programs focusing on aspects of the environment, natural resources or sustainability in places such as China, Dominican Republic, New Zealand, Australia and Iceland.

Internship

Gaining real world experience through internships is critical to student success. Students gain valuable work experience at a variety of federal, state and private agencies and organizations in the field of forestry, fisheries and wildlife. By working with SENR Career Services, students can find local, national and international internships related to their career goals.

Honors and Scholars

The Environment and Natural Resources Honors program challenges high-ability students by providing a program in greater breadth and depth and provides special recognition and scholarships for outstanding scholastic achievement. Students are able to design their own study plan that guides their course selection and honors research. Freshmen with University Honors standing may be accepted directly as a candidate for the Environment and Natural Resources Honors program.

Environment and Natural Resources Scholars share an interest and passion for the environment and being outdoors. Students live together in Morrill Tower and participate in service learning projects, educational trips, and seminars and workshops with leading environmental researchers.

Learn more at honors-scholars.osu.edu.

Research

Students interested in pursuing research can engage in the generation of new knowledge and understanding alongside world-class faculty and complete requirements to graduate with research distinction.

Students present their research at the collegeâ€™s Undergrad Research Forum to prepare for the university-wide Denman Undergraduate Research Forum.

Students can also take advantage of research projects monitoring the health of the Lake Erie environment at Stone Lab.

Student organizations

Student organizations, such as the Parks and Recreation Society, give students hands-on experiences in the field and help them develop network connections with professionals.

Students have the opportunity to join the SUSTAINS Learning Community, which fosters connections among students who are interested in becoming sustainable leaders. Students will learn how sustainability influences their own and others' lives and how their actions impact society.

Possible careers

The School of Environment and Natural Resources Career Services Office offers students counseling to identify job opportunities and assistance preparing cover letters and resumes.

Upon graduation, students are prepared to work in a variety of positions including with federal, state or local natural resource management agencies, non profit organizations, or in the private sector in farming or for businesses servicing the farm community. Students can find careers as environmental educators, park administrators, park rangers and officers, conservation law officers, resources specialists and in sustainable agriculture. We encourage students to go forward for advanced education in areas such as public administration or business administration to prepare for top level positions.

Salary estimates

Graduates obtaining entry-level positions can expect typical salaries to be around $38,000 to $48,000 per year. Those seeking work in recreation law enforcement will find annual entry-level salaries ranging from $61,000 to $75,000.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.

Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State

Enrollment in your intended major

Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

English Program Requirements

we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Fee Information

How to Apply

How do I submit scores?

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

Tips for sending scores to Ohio State

Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.

Is the essay required?

The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.

Should I take a standardized test more than once?

Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.

How does Ohio State look at scores?

When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.

These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.

Official transcripts

High school transcripts

Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.

How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:

Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.

Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.

Official ACT or SAT scores

Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.

How do I submit my scores?

We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.

Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor

While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.

If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to [email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.

Official proof of English language skills

You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:

TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher

You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.

Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.

*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.