Environmental and Natural Resources (B.S.)

ABOUT

Ecology and Conservation Biology are becoming increasingly important fields of study as we learn more about the influences of human activities on ecosystems and seek to build a more sustainable society. The world is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, but the problems associated with their conservation are immense. Protecting rare and endangered species, preventing and controlling invasions of exotics, preserving old growth forests, restoring degraded ecosystems, and balancing the resource demands of industry and the public are just some of the environmental issues you’ll face. Many of these issues are also enmeshed in politicized environments. As an environmental and natural resources major, you’ll learn methods for confronting some of the world’s most pressing problems. 

FAST FACTS

  • Within walking distance of campus are 17,500 acres of Experimental Forest dedicated to education, research, demonstration and recreation.
  • Next to campus is the 56,000-acre Hartwell Lake, and the mountains are just a short drive away.
  • Our University has a strong Solid Green mission and environmental sustainability campaign.

WHAT YOU'LL STUDY

What fun is it to learn about the natural world when you’re surrounded by four walls? Clemson students have an amazing opportunity to explore the natural beauty that is abundant both on and off campus. Quickly shed the classroom walls and surround yourself instead with trees, streams and wildlife. The program offers three diverse concentrations for you to choose a curriculum that fits with your specific interests.

Conservation Biology Concentration: The conservation biology concentration is oriented toward students who desire a greater exposure to taxa, their habitats and their interrelationships.

Natural Resource and Economic Policy Concentration: Take a more in-depth study of economics and policy application with our natural resource and economic policy concentration.

Natural Resources Management Concentration: With a focus in natural resources management, you’ll study management practices for various natural resource subcategories. 

Popular Minors

  • Crops and Soil Environmental Science
  • Park and Protected Area Management
  • Political Science
  • Wildlife and Fisheries Biology

EXPERIENCES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Whether for academics or recreation, there are opportunities for students in environmental and natural resources to be outdoors! Clemson is home to more than 17,500 acres of forestland and 56,000 acres of freshwater.  

This amazing faculty-led study abroad opportunity jets students off to Kimberley, South Africa. You’ll study the ecology of three distinct regions, visit Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and see hundreds of species of wildlife.
Creative Inquiry teams take on projects like one that is exploring the effects of climate change and land use on the organisms in the Appalachian Mountains.
Clemson's Campbell Museum of Natural History contains an extensive vertebrate collection as well as a herbarium.
Solid Green is all about pride in Clemson's campus and taking action to help sustain the environment for a better future. This initiative is supported by local and national partnerships.
An on-campus garden was designed and implemented to demonstrate sustainable garden practices using native plantings, innovative installation and maintenance practices.

AFTER GRADUATION

Your college decision isn't really about the next four years. We get it. It's about what doors are opened by your degree and whether those opportunities are what you had envisioned for yourself. Here's a snapshot of what life after graduation looks like for some of our most recent students.

RECENT EMPLOYERS

  • Technician

    Apogee Environmental & Archaeological, Inc.

  • Agricultural Assistant

    Clemson Extension

  • Soil Conservationist

    USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

  • Environmental Researcher

    The Coca-Cola Co.

  • Research and Education Intern

    Sierra Institute for Community and Environment

RECENT POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

  • M.S. Agricultural and Resource Economics

    University of Tennessee-Knoxville

  • Master's

    Utah State University

  • Master's

    College of Charleston

  • Master's

    University of Florida

  • J.D.

    Vanderbilt Law School

COMMON CAREER AREAS

  • Fish and Wildlife Management
    • Scientist
    • Biologist
    • Technician
  • Parks, Recreation and Tourism
    • Recreation Specialist
    • Environmental Educator
    • Park Administrator, Naturalist or Superintendent
  • Management and Conservation
    • Consulting
    • Land Use
    • Analytics
    • Research and Conservation
    • Real Estate
  • Policy and Planning
    • Administration
    • Planning
    • Compliance
    • Policy and Law
    • Lobbyist
    • Economist
  • Environmental Science and Technology
    • GIS Technician
    • Analytics
    • Air and Water Quality
    • Toxicology
    • Environmental Health or Safety
  • Science and Biotechnology
    • Research and Development
    • Regulatory
    • Toxicology
    • Field, Lab or Research Technician
  • Communication and Education
    • Technical Writing
    • Public Relations and Journalism
    • Tourism
    • Political Action and Lobbying
    • Teaching (Traditional and Non-Traditional)

Used with permission from the University of Tennessee.

FIND OUT MORE

Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact. If you’d also like to receive general University information from Clemson’s admissions office, please follow the link to the right and sign up to join our mailing list.

McCauley Frierson

Student Recruitment Coordinator
864-656-1534
mccaulf@clemson.edu

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