A Master’s in Natural Resource Management program revolves around the efficient utilization of scarce natural resources like minerals, water, agricultural land and livestock, etc. The courses taught include areas like water conservation, animal husbandry, fisheries management, forest conservation, wildlife science, parks and recreation centers management and environmental preservation, etc.
With a master’s degree in the field, students can go for scientific research positions at the higher level in both industry and academia. Equipped with a solid foundation in natural resource management as well as cross-disciplinary expertise in areas like resource distribution, conservation policy, business, economics, and environmental sciences, they can build successful careers in wildlife science, ecology and technical advisory, etc.
For aspiring professionals who have completed their undergraduate studies in the field, this piece provides valuable information about the Master’s in Natural Resource Management degree program. If you are one of them, then read on.
What Is Natural Resource Management?
Natural Resource Management is the study of efficiently and effectively managing the finite natural resources available to mankind. It focuses on the relationship between people and the natural habitat they exist in by dealing with things like water management, land utilization planning and conservation of bio-diversity, etc. Natural resource management also aims at ensuring the sustainability of industries like mining, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and tourism among others.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Natural Resource Management?
A Master’s in Natural Resource Management can open up various career paths for you. The top occupations include Forest and Conservation Technician, Ecology and Wildlife Researcher, Wildlife Conservation Specialist, Natural Resource Management Professor, Environmental Specialists and Conservation Scientists, etc. Recent salary information for a few of these professions is provided below.
Forest and Conservation Technicians
Forest and Conservation Technicians work to maintain and improve the quality of natural/man-made forests.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019: $45,500
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Annual Mean Salary, 2019: $45,860
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Predicted Growth, 2018-2028: -3% (Slight Decline)
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019: Connecticut - $55,360
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State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019: California - 4,060
Foresters
Foresters are responsible for managing and maintaining the land quality of forests, rangelands and parks.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019: $61,790
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Annual Mean Salary, 2019: $63,270
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Predicted Growth Rate (2018-2028): 3% (Conservation Scientists and Foresters)
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019: District of Columbia - $92,930
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State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019: California - 730
Note: These figures have been obtained from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What to Expect from a Post-Graduate Degree Program in Natural Resource Management?
During your Master’s in Natural Resource Management studies, you will learn about Forest Management, Wildlife Conservation, Environmental Sciences, Fisheries and Agriculture Management, Parks and Recreation Centers Administration, Water Conservation, Livestock Rearing, Land Utilization, Bio-diversity Planning, Technical Conservation Skills, Natural Resource Policy Formulation and Forest Ecology, etc.
How to Choose a Master’s in Natural Resource Management Program?
Certain important factors must be considered when deciding which school to attend to complete your Master’s in Natural Resource Management degree. These include the type of courses being offered, cost of the program, accreditation, types of projects/thesis work available and future employment prospects, etc. Some good options in this regard include the Oregon State University, University of California – Berkeley and the University of Idaho among others.
Master’s in Natural Resource Management Admission Requirements
Admission requirements may vary slightly depending on individual schools. However, almost all students who want to enroll in a Master’s in Natural Resource Management program must have a Bachelor’s degree in the field. A minimum GPA might also be needed depending on the threshold set by a particular school.