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. 

Plan of Study Grid
First Quarter
FallCredits
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
 
 Credits13
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
 Credits16-17
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
 Credits15
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
 
 Credits2
Fifth Quarter
Fall
F200 Introduction to Forest Surveying 4
F240 Natural Resources Ecology 4
FW252 Mammals: Biology and Techniques 4
WR227Z Technical Writing 4
 Credits16
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
 Credits14
Seventh Quarter
Spring
FT235 Outdoor Recreation 3
NR260 Field Projects 3
Human Relations requirement 3 3-4
Related Elective 6-8
 Credits15-18
 Total Credits91-95
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:

MTH095Intermediate 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