This major provides students with the knowledge and ability to manage various resource management issues, such as water and aquatic environments, coastal lands, ecological restoration, and urban environments, for the benefit of society.
Environmental Conservation & Management
Environmental Conservation & Management
From biodiversity loss and pollution to land use change and climate disruption, today’s environmental challenges demand innovative, interdisciplinary solutions. Therefore, the Environmental Conservation and Management degree equips students to meet these challenges by integrating ecological and social science with practical management skills. Our program prepares students to work across sectors—with communities, non-profits, government agencies and private companies—to develop and implement conservation strategies that sustain ecosystems and enhance human wellbeing. With a strong emphasis on applied learning, students gain the knowledge and experience to lead in diverse contexts, whether their focus is wetlands, forestry, coastal resilience, urban sustainability, protected areas, or working landscapes. Through a comprehensive blend of classroom instruction and field-based coursework, our graduates are prepared to make an impact.
The ENVC major combines environmental, social science and management coursework aligned with the program’s core learning objectives. To further tailor their academic and professional path, students complete a required minor that complements the interdisciplinary nature of the degree. These minors provide focused training across a range of conservation and management contexts—integrating both ecological and human dimensions—to prepare students for impactful careers in sustainability, resource management, environmental consulting and beyond.
Minors that can be paired with the degree (among others on campus) include:
Social Science Minors:
Ecological Minors:
- Coastal Management
- Forest Health
- Natural Resources Ecology
- Restoration Ecology
- Urban Forestry
- Watershed Sciences
Interdisciplinary Minors
- Tropical Conservation and Sustainable Development in Costa Rica (Summer Study Abroad)
Other minors at Auburn may also be paired with the major, such as business, communications, fisheries, geography, or sustainability.
Environmental conservation and management is a growing field with various career options in the public and private sectors, including positions within federal, state, and municipal agencies, environmental consulting firms and nonprofit organizations such as land trusts, conservancies and others. Depending on an individual’s specialization, experience and skill level, graduates may qualify for a diverse array of nature-based occupations that include:
- Coastal Resources Planner
- Conservation Biologist
- Ecological Consultant
- Environmental or Conservation Scientist
- Resource/Environmental Lawyer (law degree required)
- Land and Resources Manager or Planner
- Land Trust Manager
- Wetland Ecologist
- Water Quality Manager
- Urban Forester or Arborist
- Forest Health Specialist
Students who wish to further specialize or advance in their careers after graduation may opt to continue their education by pursuing graduate degrees, such as obtaining a law degree to practice law for non-governmental organizations or a master’s degree for further specialization and advancement in their chosen field.
Learn more about the careers, salary ranges and work environments available with this degree via the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
Note: Students may incur laboratory, transportation, or other fees associated with labs and field experiences required for course credit.
