Natural Resources Technology: Wildlife Resources - AAS Degree
Overview
See Department website and program contacts here
The Natural Resources Technology: Wildlife Resources (AAS) degree is designed for students seeking careers in wildlife management, habitat restoration, conservation, and environmental research. The curriculum combines natural resource science with hands-on field training to prepare students for employment in a variety of outdoor and environmental settings.
Coursework includes topics such as wildlife habitat assessment, stream and wildlife surveys, restoration practices, field data collection, and environmental resource management. Students develop practical technical skills through outdoor laboratory experiences and field-based learning.
The Wildlife Resources program is workforce-focused and prepares students for careers with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as private industry and environmental organizations involved in wildlife and natural resource management.
The Natural Resources Technology: Wildlife Resources program is accredited by the Society of American Foresters (SAF) under its Natural Resources and Ecosystem Management (NREM) standards.
Students are encouraged to work with an advisor to ensure appropriate course selection and program planning based on their educational background and career goals.
Refer to the tabs above for additional information about:
- Education Plan – provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
- Career Info – includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings
Program Learning Objectives
At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Perform relevant field tasks required of natural resource technicians
- Use a broad range of technological tools to research, document, map, measure, record and analyze data relevant to natural resources
- Demonstrate a practical understanding of Pacific Northwest forest and wetland ecosystems
- Demonstrate knowledge of social influences on ecosystem management
- Demonstrate professional skills needed for successful job performance
Education Plan
This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan.
Note: Students who placed into MTH060 Beginning Algebra I must complete it during their first term in the program.
General education courses (such as math, writing, health, etc.) can be taken during any term, or before starting the program.
| First Quarter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| F111 | Introduction to Natural Resources | 3 |
| F141 | Tree and Shrub Identification (Dendrology) | 3 |
| NR160 | Wildland Fire | 3 |
| NR150 | Career Development in Natural Resources | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Wilderness Survival | ||
| Health and Fitness for Life | ||
other Health / Physical Education course | ||
| Credits | 13 | |
| Second Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| FT122 | Forest Measurements I | 5 |
| FW251 | Principles of Wildlife Conservation | 3 |
| MTH065 | Beginning Algebra II (or higher, excluding MTH098) 2 | 4 |
| WR121Z | Composition I | 4 |
| BT210ZEA | Excel - Level I (if needed) | 0-1 |
| Credits | 16-17 | |
| Third Quarter | ||
| Spring | ||
| FT221 | Aerial Photo Interpretation, GPS and sUAS | 4 |
| FW253 | Field Ornithology | 4 |
| MTH084 | Applied Trigonometry with Modeling 2 | 1 |
| NR140 | Introduction to Forest Soils | 3 |
| NR230 | Forest Botany | 3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Quarter | ||
| Summer | ||
| Select a course or combination of courses to complete a minimum of 2 credits: | 2 | |
| Co-op Ed: Natural Resources or Coop Ed - Natural Resources or Co-op Ed: Natural Resources or Co-op Ed: Natural Resources | ||
| Credits | 2 | |
| Fifth Quarter | ||
| Fall | ||
| F200 | Introduction to Forest Surveying | 4 |
| F240 | Natural Resources Ecology | 4 |
| FW252 | Mammals: Biology and Techniques | 4 |
| WR227Z | Technical Writing | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Sixth Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| BI132 | Introduction to Animal Behavior | 4 |
| FT228 | Introduction to Geographic Information Systems | 3 |
| NR212 | Current Issues/Forest Resources | 1 |
| NR242 | Watershed Processes | 3 |
| NR244 | Applied Silviculture I: Reforestation | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Seventh Quarter | ||
| Spring | ||
| FT235 | Outdoor Recreation | 3 |
| NR260 | Field Projects | 3 |
| Human Relations requirement 3 | 3-4 | |
| Related Elective | 6-8 | |
| Credits | 15-18 | |
| Total Credits | 91-95 | |
- 1
Students are expected to use Excel spreadsheets in their NRT courses. Those unfamiliar with spreadsheets are advised to enroll in an Excel course before first or second quarter.
- 2
Successful completion of MTH095 Intermediate Algebra with Right Triangle Trigonometry or higher (excluding MTH098) will replace both MTH065 Beginning Algebra II and MTH084 Applied Trigonometry with Modeling.
- 3
PSY101 Psychology of Human Relations, HUM202 Ethics in the Workplace (Cultural Literacy course) or BA285 Leadership and Human Relations are recommended. See adviser for transferability information.
Related Electives to reach 90 credits, if needed:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MTH095 | Intermediate Algebra with Right Triangle Trigonometry (or higher) | 5 |
| Modern Language | ||
| Any courses with the following prefixes: ANTH, BA, BI, BT, CH, CIS, COMM, FW, ET, G, GEOG, NR and SHS. | ||
Transfer Schools
Career Information
Explore potential careers related to this program, including typical job roles, employment trends, and projected growth. This information can help you better understand how your education may align with future career opportunities.
Cultural Literacy course