Natural Resources, Ecology, and Conservation

Welcome to the LCU Natural Resources, Ecology, and Conservation program!

Wise use and management of our precious natural resources is a critical issue of today and one in which we are all stakeholders. The health of our environment including the availability of clean water and air, sustainable food production, and abundant fish and wildlife resources, will depend on decisions made by our natural resources managers.

The degree in Natural Resources Ecology and Conservation provides students with a broad background in natural resources management and conservation with specific emphasis in four areas: ecology, wildlife and fisheries management, conservation biology, and environmental science. Students completing this program will be prepared for graduate education or for employment with governmental and private agencies that are directly involved in managing our natural resources. Some of the highlights of the program are listed below. For additional information about the program, please contact Dr. Bart Durham.

Highlights of coursework:

• Learn about and work with wild animals
• Learn how to safely capture and sample animals in their natural habitat
• Learn how animals and plants interact with each other and their environment
• Learn cutting-edge concepts and practices for environmental and biological conservation
• Learn how to conduct scientific investigations that can be used to guide the sustainable use of our precious natural resources

Unique learning opportunities:

• Hands on approach to learning
• Many outdoor experiences including outside lab activities and field trips to lakes, ponds, streams, game ranches, nature preserves, and more.
• Directly participate in scientific research being conducted by faculty and other students at LCU

Employment opportunities for graduates of this program:

• State agencies that manage natural resources such as Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) or similar agencies in other states
• Federal natural resource agencies such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, U.S. Forrest Service, Department of Agriculture, or Environmental Protection Agency
• Private environmental consulting
• Natural resources law enforcement (state or federal game warden or park ranger)
• Extension agent or other forms of natural resources education
• This major also prepares students to pursue graduate degrees in ecology, conservation biology, or similar fields