College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Curricula in Renewable Natural Resources
Professional Fields of Study and Department Heads
| Forestry | Steve Whisenant, Interim Head |
| Rangeland Ecology and Management | Steve Whisenant, Head |
| Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences | Joseph O'Leary, Head |
| Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences | Delbert Gatlin, III, Interim Head |
General Statement
The curricula in the four departments comprising the Institute of Rewable Natural Resources offer opportunities to obtain professional training in specific areas in management and conservation of natural resources. Students also may select a broader approach to natural resource education by pursuing the multi-departmental degree in Renewable Natural Resources. This program may be selected in any department in the Institute of Renewable Natural Resources.
Renewable Natural Resources
Renewable Natural Resources (RENR) is for students desiring a rigorous education in the study and management of sustainable ecosystems for a wide variety of resource values. The RENR program of study is comprised of a core of courses and two emphases. The goal of this core/emphasis structure is to provide students with an identity as a renewable natural resources specialist, while, at the same time, affording the flexibility for preparation for a variety for career tracks. One emphasis focuses on management and the other on policy. Technical electives guide the students in chosen educational and career directions. The underlying goal of the RENR degree is to integrate the scientific issues of renewable natural resources. Graduates of this program will be able to articulate these issues verbally and in writing in their chosen career. Therefore, the RENR degree emphasizes verbal presentations and major papers as well as field-oriented activities.
The RENR programs are designed to help students prepare for careers in public and private organizations associated with the planning and use of natural resources and the environment. Possible employment includes areas such as multi-use land management, environmental assessment, resource inventory, natural resource planning, law, policy analysis and land remediation.
An emphasis may be selected in policy or management. The RENR degree consists of 120 credit hours: 43 university core, 44 common to both emphasis areas and 24 designated by the emphasis area and 9 free elective hours.