The Natural Resource and Environmental Conservation major objectives are to prepare its graduates for professional careers by:

1) providing both the relevant domains of knowledge and their application to the solution of real-world problems and achievement of defined objectives, including in-depth coverage of ecology and biology; measurement and evaluation of natural resource environmental components, properties, and functioning; management of ecosystems; and legal, regulatory, policy, and economic aspects of ecosystem administration and management
2) establishing awareness of historical and current issues and policies affecting ecosystem management and conservation
3) providing a variety of educational experiences including lectures, discussion, simulations, computer applications, individual and group projects in laboratories and field experiences, and a capstone course teaching students to conduct environmental impact assessments.

The purpose of these experiences is to ensure that graduates of the program can knowledgeably develop, apply, facilitate, and/or execute natural resource and environmental management plans that adequately address matters of ownership/public goals and objectives, ecosystem health and sustainability, and the legal and regulatory environment. The Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation major is accredited by the Society of American Foresters.