Environmental Conservation and Management
Throughout the world, the quality of life of individuals and communities is directly associated with the use and management of land, water, soil, plants and wildlife. Natural resource and environmental managers seek to balance the diverse and interconnected needs of society with the sustainable use of natural resources, guiding how humans interact with their surrounding environments.
Learn from the Landscape
Located in the East Central region of Alabama, the Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) offers easy access to the abundant forests, rivers, streams and other waterways that make this state one of the most biologically diverse in the nation. Stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Tennessee Valley, Alabama’s diverse natural habitats make a one-of-a-kind living laboratory, providing students valuable hands-on opportunities to study ecosystems, conservation and sustainable resource management. With more than 6,000+ acres dedicated to outdoor learning, the CFWE offers an unparalleled student experience, industry-relevant career preparation and a transformative education that delivers exceptional value both inside and beyond the classroom.
From biodiversity loss and pollution to land use change and climate disruption, today’s environmental challenges demand innovative, interdisciplinary solutions. 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.
This major combines environmental, social science and management coursework aligned with the program’s core learning objectives. To further tailor their academic and professional paths, students complete a required minor that complements the degree’s interdisciplinary nature. 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: Conservation Social Sciences, Environmental Law, Nature-based Recreation
- Ecological Minors: Coastal Management, Forest Health, Natural Resources Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Urban Forestry, Watershed Sciences
- Interdisciplinary Minor: Tropical Conservation and Sustainable Development in Costa Rica (Summer Study Abroad)
The environmental conservation and management field offers various career options and solid earning potential in both public and private sectors, including positions within federal, state and municipal governments and nonprofit agencies such as land trusts, conservancies and other environmental organizations. Depending on an individual’s specialization with a minor, experience and skill level, graduates may qualify for occupations such as:
- Land and resources manager or planner
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental or conservation scientist
- Urban planner
- Forest health specialist
- Environmental educator
- Urban forester
- City arborist
- Ecotourism operator
- Forest seedling nursery manager
Explore this career guide toolkit to learn about conservation careers.
