Natural Resources, Ph.D.

Securing sustainable natural systems for generations to come.

From forest-fire research, to conservation program leadership, to wildlife management, to policy analysis, the options are vast for professionals with doctoral-level knowledge and research skills in natural resource sciences.

In this program, you will study advanced principles for managing and ultimately protecting our land, water, minerals, forests, fish and wildlife. You will gain valuable research experiences, with opportunities to engage in projects currently underway at our 15 research units. Our world-class facilities include a remote wilderness research station and one of the largest DNA and genetics laboratories devoted to the study of wild plants and animals.

As a Ph.D. student, you will customize your plan of study to fit your personal background, research interests and career goals. The program requires the completion of a dissertation.

This degree could be a good fit if you:

  • Want to make a profound impact in natural resource sciences
  • Have a strong educational foundation in biology, science, ecology and math
  • Can communicate complex ideas and concepts to others
  • Are inquisitive and an analytical thinker
  • Want to lead original research in an area that interests you

With this degree, you could become a/an:

  • University professor
  • Researcher
  • Program director for a conservation or wildlife management group
  • Policy director
  • Research lead or director with an environmental consulting firm
  • Manager of sustainable development for an engineering group
  • Lobbyist or advisor for government conservation agencies
  • Environmental/ecological consultant
  • Ecologist

Available On-Campus

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