Best Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy institutions in the US, ranked by earnings
Compare 148 U.S. colleges offering Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 48 states.
About Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy programs
The Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy program focuses on the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources. This program is designed for individuals interested in addressing environmental challenges and promoting responsible use of natural resources through policy and management strategies.
Learn more about Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy →
Students in this program will develop essential skills such as active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication. Coursework typically covers topics related to environmental law, resource economics, land use planning, and public safety, equipping graduates with the knowledge needed to navigate complex environmental issues.
Top 25 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MI Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,967 | 30 | 81% | — | $21,755 |
| 2 | West Virginia University Morgantown, WV Public · Bachelor's degree | $47,232 | 21 | 65% | — | $25,000 |
| 3 | Minnesota North College Hibbing, MN Public · Certificate degree | $45,589 | 42 | 42% | — | — |
| 4 | University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,445 | 70 | 73% | — | $25,000 |
| 5 | Glenville State University Glenville, WV Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,490 | 30 | 34% | — | $23,250 |
| 6 | Paul Smiths College of Arts and Science Paul Smiths, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,863 | 34 | 51% | $22,773 | $27,000 |
| 7 | Everglades University Boca Raton, FL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,859 | 30 | 61% | $29,513 | $47,000 |
| 8 | Unity Environmental University New Gloucester, ME Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,685 | 6 | 29% | $19,316 | $27,000 |
| 9 | University of New Hampshire - Main Campus Durham, NH Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,681 | 6 | 76% | — | $27,000 |
| 10 | North Dakota State University - Main Campus Fargo, ND Public · Bachelor's degree | $40,971 | 25 | 64% | — | $27,000 |
| 11 | University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Stevens Point, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $40,553 | 87 | 51% | — | $22,132 |
| 12 | Oregon State University Corvallis, OR Public · Bachelor's degree | $39,422 | 227 | 70% | — | $34,429 |
| 13 | St Petersburg College St. Petersburg, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $38,766 | 17 | 38% | — | $34,017 |
| 14 | California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA Public · Bachelor's degree | $37,126 | 136 | 86% | — | $20,000 |
| 15 | Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC Public · Bachelor's degree | $36,846 | 26 | 60% | — | $21,962 |
| 16 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $36,040 | 45 | 84% | — | $25,275 |
| 17 | Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OH Public · Bachelor's degree | $35,019 | 68 | 88% | — | $27,000 |
| 18 | University of Idaho Moscow, ID Public · Bachelor's degree | $34,542 | 60 | 57% | — | $26,000 |
| 19 | The University of Tennessee - Martin Martin, TN Public · Bachelor's degree | $33,543 | 25 | 53% | — | $22,748 |
| 20 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA Public · Bachelor's degree | $32,516 | 56 | 69% | — | $23,008 |
| 21 | Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $30,818 | 31 | 57% | — | $21,730 |
| 22 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $30,362 | 43 | 84% | — | $21,815 |
| 23 | Hocking College Nelsonville, OH Public · Associate degree | $27,817 | 41 | 37% | — | $12,000 |
| 24 | Bowling Green State University - Main Campus Bowling Green, OH Public · Bachelor's degree | $24,596 | 8 | 64% | — | $25,998 |
| 25 | University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu, HI Public · Bachelor's degree | $20,825 | 62 | 64% | — | $19,835 |
Offered across 48 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 33-3051, Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers in various fields related to natural resources and environmental management. The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an estimated growth rate of 3.1% and approximately 53,700 annual openings. The median wage for positions in this field is $76,290, typically requiring at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Identify, pursue, and arrest suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
- Provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws, and promoting good community relations.
- Record facts to prepare reports that document incidents and activities.
- Render aid to accident survivors and other persons requiring first aid for physical injuries.
- Review facts of incidents to determine if criminal act or statute violations were involved.
- Investigate illegal or suspicious activities.
Tools & technology
Concentrations within Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, GeneralCIP 03.0201
A program that prepares individuals to plan, develop, manage, and evaluate programs to protect and regulate natural habitats and renewable natural resources
- Environmental/Natural Resource EconomicsCIP 03.0204
A program that focuses on the application of economic concepts and methods to the analysis of issues such as air and water pollution, land use planning, waste disposal, invasive species and pest contr
- Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources ManagementCIP 03.0205
A program that prepares individuals to apply the principles of marine/aquatic biology, oceanography, natural resource economics, and natural resources management to the development, conservation, and
- Land Use Planning and Management/DevelopmentCIP 03.0206
A program that focuses on how public and/or private land and associated resources can be preserved, developed, and used for maximum social, economic, and environmental benefit
- Environmental/Natural Resource Recreation and TourismCIP 03.0207
A program that prepares individuals to plan, develop, and manage tourism in a natural resource setting, with an emphasis on applying environmentally sound, culturally sensitive, and economically susta
- Environmental/Natural Resources Law Enforcement and Protective ServicesCIP 03.0208
A program that prepares individuals to enforce natural resource and environmental protection regulations and laws; and to perform emergency duties to protect human life, property and natural resources
- Energy and Environmental PolicyCIP 03.0209
A program of study that focuses on the systematic analysis of public policy issues related to climate change, energy policy, environmental economics, global sustainability, and security
- BioenergyCIP 03.0210
A program of study that focuses on the environmental and economic impact of using plants and microbes for the production of bio-based fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel
- Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, OtherCIP 03.0299
Any instructional program in environmental or natural resources management and policy not listed above.
Common questions
What types of specializations are available in this program?+
Specializations include Environmental/Natural Resource Economics, Water Management, Land Use Planning, and more.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in active listening, critical thinking, and effective communication.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 3.1% and around 53,700 annual openings.
What is the typical education required for careers in this field?+
Most positions require at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Related programs
Other programs in the same field of study.
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