Best institutions to study Natural Resources/Conservation
A general program that focuses on the studies and activities relating to the natural environment and its conservation, use, and improvement.
130 U.S. institutions graduated 3,142 Natural Resources/Conservation students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 03.0101, a specialization of Natural Resources Conservation and Research (CIP 03.01), and leads most directly to the Conservation Scientists occupation (BLS SOC 19-1031).
About Natural Resources/Conservation programs
A general program that focuses on the studies and activities relating to the natural environment and its conservation, use, and improvement. Includes instruction in subjects such as climate, air, soil, water, land, fish and wildlife, and plant resources; in the basic principles of environmental science and natural resources management; and the recreational and economic uses of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources.
See also: 26.1307 - Conservation Biology.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Natural Resources/Conservation program, also known as Natural Resources Conservation and Research, focuses on the study and management of the natural environment. It is designed for students interested in understanding and improving the conservation, use, and sustainability of natural resources such as air, water, soil, and wildlife. This program prepares students for a career dedicated to environmental stewardship and resource management.
Students in this program will gain essential skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, and scientific principles. Coursework typically covers topics in biology, geography, and environmental science, equipping students with the knowledge needed to address conservation challenges and implement effective management practices.
Credentials awarded
What Natural Resources/Conservation graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree1,434 graduates / yr · 47 institutions46%
- Master's degree861 graduates / yr · 32 institutions27%
- Associate's degree334 graduates / yr · 42 institutions11%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year245 graduates / yr · 28 institutions7.8%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship131 graduates / yr · 22 institutions4.2%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate64 graduates / yr · 11 institutions2.0%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years51 graduates / yr · 8 institutions1.6%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years19 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.6%
- Award of less than 12 weeks3 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.1%
Graduates over time
Natural Resources/Conservation completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 2,652 |
| 2013 | 2,507 |
| 2014 | 2,490 |
| 2015 | 2,317 |
| 2016 | 2,245 |
| 2017 | 2,558 |
| 2018 | 2,607 |
| 2019 | 2,855 |
| 2020 | 2,726 |
| 2021 | 2,797 |
| 2022 | 2,947 |
| 2023 | 3,016 |
| 2024 | 2,708 |
| 2025 | 3,142 |
Top 50 institutions for Natural Resources/Conservation, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MIPublicMaster'sDoctoral | 235 | 93% | — | $29,264 |
| 2 | University of California - Berkeley Berkeley, CAPublicBachelor's | 134 | 93% | — | $47,338 |
| 3 | Duke University Durham, NCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 116 | 97% | $16,260 | $28,121 |
| 4 | University of Nebraska - Lincoln Lincoln, NEPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 101 | 67% | — | $33,514 |
| 5 | University of Massachusetts - Amherst Amherst, MAPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 99 | 83% | — | $29,690 |
| 6 | University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MOPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 92 | 75% | — | $27,429 |
| 7 | Front Range Community College Westminster, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 91 | 35% | — | — |
| 8 | University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, MDPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 89 | 33% | — | $55,545 |
| 9 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoralAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 85 | 68% | — | $30,645 |
| 10 | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MNPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 82 | 85% | — | $33,132 |
| 11 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NCPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 80 | 85% | — | $32,948 |
| 12 | University of California - Davis Davis, CAPublicBachelor's | 79 | 86% | — | $38,954 |
| 13 | Texas Tech University Lubbock, TXPublicBachelor's | 79 | 69% | — | $36,601 |
| 14 | University of Vermont Burlington, VTPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 79 | 79% | — | $26,871 |
| 15 | Colorado State University - Fort Collins Fort Collins, COPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 70 | 67% | — | $34,346 |
| 16 | Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OHPublicMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoral | 69 | 88% | — | $39,545 |
| 17 | University of New Hampshire - Main Campus Durham, NHPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 61 | 76% | — | $37,286 |
| 18 | Clemson University Clemson, SCPublicBachelor's | 53 | 87% | — | $25,115 |
| 19 | Auburn University Auburn, ALPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 52 | 82% | — | — |
| 20 | University of Kentucky Lexington, KYPublicBachelor'sPost-degree cert.Doctoral | 49 | 71% | — | $36,117 |
| 21 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TXPublicMaster'sBachelor'sDoctoralPost-degree cert. | 48 | 84% | — | $36,266 |
| 22 | University of Connecticut Storrs, CTPublicBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral | 47 | 83% | — | $26,899 |
| 23 | Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus University Park, PAPublicBachelor's | 47 | 86% | — | $37,330 |
| 24 | Unity Environmental University New Gloucester, MEPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 46 | 29% | $19,316 | — |
| 25 | Florida State University Tallahassee, FLPublicBachelor's | 43 | 86% | — | $30,146 |
| 26 | Reedley College Reedley, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 42 | 42% | — | — |
| 27 | Purdue University - Main Campus West Lafayette, INPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 40 | 83% | — | $38,989 |
| 28 | Columbia College Sonora, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 39 | 27% | — | — |
| 29 | West Valley College Saratoga, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 34 | 51% | — | — |
| 30 | California State Polytechnic University - Humboldt Arcata, CAPublicMaster's | 31 | 49% | — | $29,917 |
| 31 | Vincennes University Vincennes, INPublicAssociate's | 28 | 39% | — | $32,138 |
| 32 | University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WIPublicMaster's | 28 | 90% | — | $28,824 |
| 33 | Towson University Towson, MDPublicBachelor's | 27 | 69% | — | $34,345 |
| 34 | American River College Sacramento, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 26 | 37% | — | — |
| 35 | Mississippi State University Mississippi State, MSPublicDoctoralBachelor's | 26 | 67% | — | — |
| 36 | Upper Iowa University Fayette, IAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 25 | 34% | $22,697 | $34,347 |
| 37 | Grand Valley State University Allendale, MIPublicBachelor's | 25 | 67% | — | $32,118 |
| 38 | Minnesota North College Hibbing, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 25 | 42% | — | — |
| 39 | University of Georgia Athens, GAPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 23 | 90% | — | — |
| 40 | Kent State University at Kent Kent, OHPublicBachelor's | 23 | 64% | — | $34,020 |
| 41 | Kirkwood Community College Cedar Rapids, IAPublicAssociate's | 21 | 43% | — | — |
| 42 | Cornell University Ithaca, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sDoctoral | 21 | 95% | $17,613 | $41,621 |
| 43 | University of California - Irvine Irvine, CAPublicMaster's | 20 | 87% | — | $36,304 |
| 44 | Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WIPublicAssociate's | 20 | 65% | — | $32,996 |
| 45 | University of Wisconsin - River Falls River Falls, WIPublicBachelor's | 20 | 57% | — | $33,408 |
| 46 | The University of the South Sewanee, TNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 19 | 80% | $21,573 | $35,204 |
| 47 | Central Lakes College - Brainerd Brainerd, MNPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 18 | 53% | — | — |
| 48 | University of Minnesota - Crookston Crookston, MNPublicBachelor's | 17 | 50% | — | $37,453 |
| 49 | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Slippery Rock, PAPublicMaster's | 17 | 66% | — | — |
| 50 | Mountain Empire Community College Big Stone Gap, VAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 17 | 48% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Natural Resources Conservation and Research field (CIP 03.01) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 45 states & territories
Where Natural Resources/Conservation graduates come from. Each state links to all Natural Resources Conservation and Research programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-1031, Conservation Scientists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Natural Resources/Conservation program can pursue careers as conservation scientists, forest and conservation technicians, and foresters. The job outlook for these professions is about as fast as average, with an estimated 2,500 annual openings and a median wage of $67,950. A bachelor's degree is typically required for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 03.0101
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Conservation Scientistsprimary SOC 19-1031 | $73,010 | +3.4% About as fast as average | ~2,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Forest and Conservation Technicians SOC 19-4071 | $54,560 | -3.2% Decline | ~3,900 | Associate's degree |
Foresters SOC 19-1032 | $76,400 | +1.2% Little or no change | ~1,100 | Bachelor's degree |
Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1043 | $101,420 | +4.0% About as fast as average | ~100 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Natural Resources/Conservation programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Apply principles of specialized fields of science, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, or agriculture, to achieve conservation objectives.
- Plan soil management or conservation practices, such as crop rotation, reforestation, permanent vegetation, contour plowing, or terracing, to maintain soil or conserve water.
- Monitor projects during or after construction to ensure projects conform to design specifications.
- Advise land users, such as farmers or ranchers, on plans, problems, or alternative conservation solutions.
- Implement soil or water management techniques, such as nutrient management, erosion control, buffers, or filter strips, in accordance with conservation plans.
- Compute design specifications for implementation of conservation practices, using survey or field information, technical guides or engineering manuals.
Tools and technology used
Other Natural Resources Conservation and Research specializations
The 3 other 6-digit CIP codes under Natural Resources Conservation and Research (CIP 03.01).
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Master's degree, Associate's degree, or an award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, active listening, and scientific analysis.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a conservation scientist, forest technician, forester, or a postsecondary teacher in forestry and conservation science.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 3.4% and approximately 2,500 annual job openings.
What is the CIP code for Natural Resources/Conservation?+
Natural Resources/Conservation is CIP 03.0101 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Natural Resources Conservation and Research (CIP 03.01). NCES defines it as: A general program that focuses on the studies and activities relating to the natural environment and its conservation, use, and improvement. Includes instruction in subjects such as climate, air, soil, water, land, fish and wildlife, and plant resources; in the basic principles of environmental science and natural resources management; and the recreational and economic uses of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources.
How many institutions offer Natural Resources/Conservation programs?+
130 U.S. institutions reported Natural Resources/Conservation graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 45 states & territories, awarding 3,142 credentials in the year. That is 13.1% of all Natural Resources Conservation and Research graduates.
How much do Natural Resources/Conservation graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Conservation Scientists occupation, which Natural Resources/Conservation most directly leads to, pays a median of $73,010 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Natural Resources Conservation and Research field report median earnings of $33,408 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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