Environmental and Natural Resources (B.S.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • Next to campus is the 56,000-acre Hartwell Lake, and the mountains are just a short drive away.
  • Within walking distance of campus are 17,500 acres of Experimental Forest dedicated to education, research, demonstration and recreation.
  • A current Creative Inquiry research team is researching the fate of latex balloons released into the environment.
ABOUT.

The world is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, but the problems associated with their conservation are immense. Protection of rare and endangered species, preventing and controlling invasions of exotics, protecting old growth forests, restoring degraded ecosystems, and balancing the resource demands of industry and the public are just some of the environmental issues. 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. Practice those methods in the nearby Clemson Experimental Forest and on Hartwell Lake, which are just steps from campus. Our University has a strong Solid Green mission and environmental sustainability campaign. As a campus, Clemson is committed to protecting the environment and raising awareness of the effects of littering, recycling, energy, water conservation and other environmental issues.  

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

What fun is it to learn about the natural world by sitting surrounded by four walls? Clemson students have an amazing opportunity to explore the natural beauty that is abundant both on and off campus. Once you have paid your dues in entry-level courses, you’ll shed those walls and surround yourself instead with trees, streams and salamanders.

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

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.

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

Curriculum:

Popular Minors:

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

Similar Majors:

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.  

Internships and Research Projects:

SOUTH AFRICA:
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.
SALAMANDER:
It has long been believed that agricultural practices have negatively impacted the diversity of salamander species. A group of students recently assisted in collecting and identifying salamander species to disprove this theory.
MUSEUM:
Clemson's Campbell Museum of Natural History contains an extensive vertebrate collection as well as a herbarium.

Connect with Other Students:

CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

43%

Employed

24%

Grad School

23%

Seeking Employment

10%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service – Soil Conservationist
  • The Coca-Cola Co. — Environmental Researcher
  • Sierra Institute for Community and Environment — Research and Education Intern

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • Utah State University — Master’s
  • College of Charleston — Master’s
  • University of Florida — Master’s

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/Conservation
    • Real Estate
  • Policy and Planning
    • Administration/Planning/Compliance
    • Policy/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/Tourism/Journalism
    • Political Action/Lobbying
    • Teaching (Traditional and Non-Traditional)
*Represents only Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin® Career Center surveys from 2009 to 2011.
**Used w/permission from Univ. 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 as well as our admissions office.

Katie Black, Student Recruitment Coordinator
888-472-5433 — hulse@clemson.edu