Coastal lands and resources are under increasing pressure due to a variety of environmental and societal issues. Sea level rise, urbanization, energy production, tropical storms, and habitat loss are just some of the pressing issues facing coastal areas. There is an increasing need for professionals trained to manage natural resources in these areas. Through coursework in the Coastal Zone Management minor, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the coastal environment and how management and policy are applied to natural resources. To complete this minor, students will be required to attend Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory (DISL) for one summer.

Review the curriculum model for this minor.

Some professional positions that graduates may pursue during their careers include:

• Regulatory specialist
• Environmental protection specialist
• Coastal management project manager
• Educational program manager
• Risk assessor
• Coastal zone manager
• Coastal planning project manager

This minor will prepare students with knowledge of issues related to the current laws governing environmental protection, natural resource management, sustainable development, and land-use planning. Graduates who pursue an environment law degree may represent the public’s interest in environmental cases or work in private practice or as in-house counsel for corporations. Fifteen hours are required to complete the minor.

Review the curriculum model for this minor.

Some professional positions graduates may pursue during their careers include:

• Regulatory specialist
• Environmental protection specialist
• Coastal management project manager
• Community planner
• Environmental lawyer (with a law degree)

Healthy forests are a critical part of our nation’s landscape. Our forests provide humans with several benefits, including shelter, water, and food, as well as wood for construction, furnishings, and other necessities. Through coursework in the Forest Health minor, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of insect and disease management to maintain a sustainable forest.

Review the curriculum model for this minor.

Some professional positions that graduates may pursue include:

• Forest health specialist
• Forest manager
• Land manager

This minor prepares students with the knowledge to successfully operate a forest seedling nursery to provide favorable conditions for seedling growth. Successful nurseries depend on optimal site selection, adequate planning, strategic cultivation, and sufficient disease and pest control. Graduates will work in state, private, and federal forest seedling nurseries to produce conifer and hardwood bare-root and container seedlings used in reforestation programs throughout North America.

Review the curriculum model for this minor.

Some professional positions that students with this minor may pursue include:

• Forest seedling nursery manager
• Nursery specialist

Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries and has grown significantly over the last half-century. One of the fastest-growing segments of the industry, ecotourism, is anchored in nature-based experiences. Nature-based recreation activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, bird watching, sightseeing, and hunting benefit society in various ways. Benefits include much-needed escape from everyday life, healthy exercise, excitement and adventure, and even economic benefits to local towns and companies.  Students in this minor will learn the theory, principles and values, business and management, communication skills, and conservation foci of nature-based recreation and ecotourism. The minor is designed for students interested in careers in government, private business, and non-profit companies that offer outdoor recreation opportunities.

Review the curriculum model for this minor.

Some professional positions that students may pursue include:

• Natural Resource Manager
• Park Ranger
• Tourism Consultant
• Interpretive Ranger
• Community Recreation Director
• Tour Coordinator/Ecotourism Operator
• Forest Protection Officer
• Education and Operations Director

Natural resources ecology is a broad and rapidly evolving field that includes landscape, plant, animal, and abiotic systems.   A minor in Natural Resources Ecology provides students with the opportunity to gain knowledge about a wide range of ecological concepts by taking core courses in landscape, wetland, and forest ecology.  Students then select additional courses that focus on the system that interests them most.  This minor is designed for students who would like to pursue careers in areas such as plant or restoration ecology, conservation biology, natural resource education, or fish or wildlife law enforcement.

Review the curriculum model for this minor.

Some professional positions that students with this minor may pursue include:

• Natural resource technician
• Conservation biologist
• Extension professional
• Natural resource educator

This seven-week study abroad in Costa Rica includes five classes and will enable students to complete the 15-credit Minor in *Tropical Conservation and Sustainable Development in one summer. This minor is available to all students across the university and there are no course prerequisites. Most courses are taught at the 3000 level and a minimum Sophomore-level standing is required by the time of travel. There will be two three-week sessions (with two classes each session) hosted on the CATIE campus with a nine-day travel course in between where students will visit a variety of Costa Rica’s famous national parks and protected areas. Students must enroll in all five classes for the full seven weeks.

The minor is interdisciplinary and collaborative and is taught by Auburn University faculty from four colleges, including the College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment, College of Agriculture, College of Science and Mathematics, and the University College of Sustainability Studies. Further, faculty and researchers from our partner and host institution, CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center), will enhance our experience with local knowledge and expertise and support for field classes.

Quick Facts:

• 7 weeks
• 5 courses
• 15-credit hour minor
• No prerequisites
• Open to all students with sophomore-level standing at the time of travel

* Pending final university approval, applications will open on December 1, 2024. The maximum number of students accepted into the program per year is 25.

Costa Rica / Multi-city Study Abroad

Costa Rica is a small, vibrant country in Central America known for its stunning biodiversity, ecotourism, and adventure activities. It boasts major life zones including lush cloud forests, tropical dry forests, mangroves, pristine beaches along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and active volcanos. The country is famous for its national parks and conservation efforts protecting a wide variety of ecosystems, plant species, and wildlife, including sloths, howler monkeys, jaguars, poison dart frogs, and flamboyant birds like the resplendent quetzal, scarlet and green macaw, and several species of toucan.

Costa Rica:

• Is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.
• Gets 98% of its electricity from renewables.
• Has protected 25% of its land.
• It is known for its safety and high quality of life, with English spoken widely in tourist areas.
• The country’s motto ‘Pura Vida’ means “pure life” and reflects the laid-back and friendly people.
• And, of course, the country is world-renowned for its coffee.

Our host and partner, CATIE, is an academic center for innovation and sustainable development in topics related to agriculture, management, conservation, and sustainable use of natural resources. CATIE is a gated campus near the town of Turrialba, in the striking mountains of Costa Rica. The campus has numerous dormitories and apartments, classrooms, research and computer labs, a cafeteria, and a club with a restaurant and swimming pool. CATIE has extensive working lands dedicated to agriculture and conservation for near-campus field classes.

Visit internationalprograms.auburn.edu to learn more!

Urban forests create a more pleasant and livable environment within our cities. They beautify our landscapes, reduce energy consumption within our buildings, filter air and water, provide shade and wildlife habitat, and help to control stormwater.  This minor will prepare students to help cities meet the unique challenges of managing trees and forests within urban environments.  Urban forestry specialists will be involved in storm flow analysis, tree planting and care, grant proposals, and supervision of municipal employees.

Review the curriculum model for this minor.

Some professional positions that graduates may pursue include:

• Urban forester
• City arborist
• Tree planting coordinator
• Urban natural resource or land use planner
• Urban forestry and beautification manager or supervisor
• Urban and community forestry program manager
• Forestry technician
• Forest protection officer

Freshwater is an essential resource but is becoming increasingly scarce in many parts of the world. Watershed science and management is an expanding field that involves managing the availability, quantity, and quality of water. Professionals in this field must have a firm understanding of the various natural processes and human activities that affect water.  The Watershed Sciences minor is intended to provide background courses in natural and physical sciences along with upper-level courses on watershed management, wetland ecology, soil conservation, and electives that match student interests. This minor is for students seeking a career in watershed science, soil conservation, water management, or wetland ecology.

Review the curriculum model for this minor.

Some professional positions that students with this minor may pursue include:

• Watershed scientist
• Environmental consultant
• Water quality regulator
• Municipal water planner
• Wetland ecologist